Delhi residents woke up to some relief on Tuesday morning as air pollution levels dropped compared to the previous day. For several days, the city had remained in the ‘severe’ category. The improvement brought a small break from extremely hazardous conditions.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app, Delhi’s Air Quality Index stood at 381 at 6:30 am on Tuesday. This placed the city in the ‘very poor’ category, which is still harmful but better than ‘severe’.
Worst-Hit Areas Still Record Severe Pollution
Despite the overall improvement, several parts of Delhi continued to suffer from very high pollution. Wazirpur recorded the worst air quality, with an AQI of 434. Jahangirpuri followed closely at 430.
Other locations also reported alarming readings. Monitoring stations at Mundka, Delhi Technical University, and Nehru Nagar showed AQI levels between 420 and 424. These areas remained in the ‘severe’ category.
Conditions Remain Better Than Monday
The improvement came a day after Delhi’s average AQI touched 427 on Monday. That was the third straight day when pollution levels stayed in the ‘severe’ range.
On Monday, thick smog covered large parts of the city. Visibility dropped sharply, making it hard to see even a short distance ahead. As conditions worsened, hundreds of flights were affected. Airports and airlines issued advisories due to poor visibility.
Ground Reports Shared on Social Media
JUSZNEWS reporters posted videos on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing pollution conditions across the city. The videos highlighted air quality and personal experiences from areas such as Punjabi Bagh and Okhla Mandi.
Delhi AQI looks better today. JUSZNEWS Reporters recorded vedio at Punjabi Bagh at 6:30 am and told about how they feel in Delhi's air. pic.twitter.com/vfeTf7nVef
— Nishi (@JusznewsNishi) December 16, 2025
Delhi Air Quality Report at Okhla Mandi at about 7 am by JUSZNEWS reporter. pic.twitter.com/gxTjoV1Ixg
— Nishi (@JusznewsNishi) December 16, 2025
How AQI Levels Are Classified
As per the CPCB, AQI categories are clearly defined. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”. Levels from 51 to 100 fall under “satisfactory”. Readings between 101 and 200 are “moderate”. An AQI of 201 to 300 is labelled “poor”. Values between 301 and 400 are “very poor”. Any reading from 401 to 500 is classified as “severe”.
Stubble Burning No Longer the Main Cause
Experts say local sources continue to drive pollution levels. Vehicle emissions and construction dust remain major contributors in the city.
However, stubble burning is no longer the main factor. “The crop burning season is now nearly over. Official data shows crop burning incidence has reduced substantially in Punjab and Haryana this year,” research by the Centre for Science and Environment noted.
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