Air pollution crisis: Air pollution continues to rise across major Indian cities, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching hazardous levels in several places. In Delhi, AQI remains in the severe category, exceeding 450 in many areas, posing serious health risks. Other cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad, Lucknow, Patna, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are also experiencing moderate to poor air quality, affecting residents’ health and daily life. The cold weather is adding to the problem, with dense fog in the mornings and evenings reducing visibility on roads and creating challenges for commuters.
AQI in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad, Lucknow, Patna, Mumbai, Bengaluru
On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 4 pm, the AQI across major Indian cities showed varying levels of air pollution, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The daily AQI bulletin, showed Navi Mumbai recording a moderate AQI of 105, while Bengaluru registered 137, also in the moderate category. Ghaziabad (364), Gurugram (328), and Noida (327) faced very poor air quality, with Faridabad at a poor level of 235. Lucknow (178), Patna (115), and Mumbai (91) recorded moderate to satisfactory air quality. The high pollution levels in several northern cities are raising health concerns, especially for vulnerable groups, while moderate AQI in southern and western cities indicates comparatively better air conditions.
Thick smog engulfs Delhi, watch video
The situation is particularly worse in Delhi, as the AQI continues to remain above 400 in several areas of the national capital. Visuals from areas such as ITO, Nizamuddin, Ashram, and India Gate show the streets shrouded in a thick layer of toxic smog, significantly reducing visibility and posing serious health risks to residents across the national capital. To tackle the hazardous pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented all measures under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR.
#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from around India Gate and Kartavya Path as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.
---Advertisement---AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 407, categorised as 'Severe', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/kFlNfz6FCz
— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2025
#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from the Ashram area as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.
— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2025
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 373, categorised as 'Very Poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/lWSfz3tAm9
As of 10:30 pm, the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings across major cities, according to AQI.in is-
Noida: 403
Mumbai: 158
Bengaluru: 182
Lucknow: 441
Patna: 143
Ghaziabad: 528
Gurgaon: 331
Faridabad: 338
Delhi: 386
Note: You can check live AQI levels using air quality tracking apps or websites.
