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Delhi Chokes: Severe Air Quality Grips Capital
14 Dec
Summary
- Delhi's air quality reached 'severe' levels with an AQI of 459.
- Schools up to Class IX and XI are shifting to hybrid classes.
- Stage IV actions of GRAP have been invoked to combat pollution.

Delhi experienced severely toxic air quality on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 459, placing it in the 'severe' category. Overnight, a dense smog layer descended upon the capital, significantly reducing air quality and causing distress to residents.
In response to the deteriorating environmental conditions, the Delhi Directorate of Education mandated that all schools conduct classes for students up to Grade IX and XI using a hybrid model. This measure aims to mitigate the health risks associated with the poor air quality.
Furthermore, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect. This escalation of measures is intended to urgently curb the further worsening of air pollution across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).




