In December 2025, air quality in Delhi reached alarming levels, marking the worst pollution recorded in eight years. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently surpassed the hazardous threshold, raising concerns among residents and environmentalists alike. This deterioration occurred despite the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV), a set of emergency measures aimed at combating air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The GRAP-IV was activated in response to the deteriorating air quality, particularly during the winter months when pollution levels typically spike due to a combination of factors including weather conditions, vehicular emissions, and construction activities. The plan, which includes measures such as a ban on construction activities, restrictions on vehicular movement, and the promotion of public transport, was designed to mitigate the impact of pollution and improve air quality.
However, data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that the AQI in December 2025 consistently remained in the “very poor” to “severe” categories, with several days recording levels above 400. This marked a significant failure of GRAP-IV to achieve its intended objectives. The CPCB reported that the average AQI for December was recorded at 450, a stark contrast to the previous year’s average of 390.
The implications of this air quality crisis are far-reaching. Poor air quality has been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and increased mortality rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified air pollution as a leading environmental risk to health, with millions of premature deaths attributed to exposure to polluted air annually. In Delhi, where air quality has been a persistent issue, the health impacts are particularly acute, affecting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
The failure of GRAP-IV to improve air quality has prompted criticism from various stakeholders, including environmental activists, public health experts, and local residents. Many have called for a reassessment of the measures implemented under the plan, arguing that more stringent actions are necessary to address the root causes of pollution. Critics have pointed to the need for long-term solutions, such as transitioning to cleaner energy sources, enhancing public transportation infrastructure, and implementing stricter emissions standards for vehicles.
In response to the ongoing air quality crisis, the Delhi government has announced plans to revise the GRAP framework. Officials have indicated that they will consider incorporating more comprehensive measures, including stricter regulations on industrial emissions and a greater emphasis on sustainable urban planning. The government has also committed to increasing public awareness campaigns about the health risks associated with air pollution and the importance of individual actions in reducing emissions.
The timeline of air quality management in Delhi has been marked by a series of initiatives aimed at addressing pollution. The introduction of GRAP in 2017 was a significant step, but subsequent iterations, including GRAP-IV, have faced challenges in implementation and effectiveness. The ongoing struggle to improve air quality reflects broader issues related to urbanization, industrialization, and climate change, which continue to pose significant challenges for policymakers.
As the situation develops, the focus will likely shift to the effectiveness of proposed revisions to GRAP and the potential for new policies aimed at reducing pollution levels. The Delhi government is under increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible improvements in air quality, particularly as public health concerns continue to mount.
The importance of addressing air quality in Delhi cannot be overstated. With millions of residents affected by pollution, the stakes are high for both public health and environmental sustainability. The outcome of ongoing discussions and policy revisions will have lasting implications for the city’s air quality management strategy and the health of its residents.
In conclusion, the analysis of AQI data in December 2025 highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat air pollution in Delhi. The failure of GRAP-IV to deliver significant improvements underscores the complexity of the issue and the necessity for a multifaceted approach to achieve lasting change. As stakeholders continue to grapple with the challenges posed by air pollution, the focus remains on finding effective solutions that prioritize public health and environmental integrity.
