Delhi AQI crosses 400 again, fears of more next week; Why is this?

Pollution levels rose sharply across the city, and many areas entered the “severe” category. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the national capital’s AQI was recorded at 390 by 9 pm, significantly higher than Monday’s 304 and Sunday’s 279.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 3 December 2025, 10:30 AM IST

Delhi's AQI crosses 400 again

New Delhi: The situation in the national capital, Delhi, had been improving somewhat, but as predicted, it began to deteriorate again. On the evening of December 2 (Tuesday), Delhi's air quality again reached dangerous levels. Pollution levels rose sharply across the city, and many areas entered the "severe" category. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the national capital's AQI was recorded at 390 by 9 pm, significantly higher than Monday's 304 and Sunday's 279.

Out of 39 monitoring stations, 19 recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400. This indicates a return to conditions known to have serious health impacts. Areas with severe pollution include Burari, Anand Vihar, Mundka, Bawana, Vivek Vihar, Rohini, Sonia Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, and several other areas.

Delhi AQI Forecast
Delhiites shouldn't expect clean air just yet. The Air Quality Early Warning System has warned that pollution levels aren't expected to improve anytime soon. According to the system, the city's AQI is expected to remain in the 'very poor' category until at least December 5th. It also states that pollution levels are likely to remain in this range for the next six days, suggesting that there won't be any immediate improvement in average air quality.

Stations with AQI above 400
According to the CPCB's SAMEER app, these stations recorded 'severe' AQI levels as of 8 pm on Tuesday:

• Chandni Chowk - AQI 471
• Nehru Nagar - AQI 446
• Bawana - AQI 438
• Vivek Vihar - AQI 437
• Wazirpur - AQI 433
• Okhla Phase 2 - AQI 431
• RK Puram - AQI 426
• Anand Vihar - AQI 421
• Rohini - AQI 420
• Ashok Vihar - AQI 418
• Mundka - AQI 418
• Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium - AQI 416
• Punjabi Bagh - AQI 412
• Sonia Vihar - AQI 411
• Siri Fort - AQI 408
• Jahangirpuri - AQI 408
• Burari Crossing - AQI 407
• DTU - AQI 406
• Patparganj - AQI 404

Transport the largest local source
According to recorded data, transport remained the largest local source of pollution emissions. According to news agency PTI, this sector contributed 18.4% to Delhi's total pollution. Emissions from nearby factories were followed by 9.2%. Nearby cities also contributed significantly: Noida (8.2%), Ghaziabad (4.6%), Baghpat (6.2%), Panipat (3.3%), and Gurugram (2.9%). According to estimates, transport emissions are expected to account for 15.6% on Wednesday.