The AQI was last lower on October 8, 2025, when it stood at 80. The latest reading also capped a month that saw better air quality than recent years, making May 2026 the cleanest May the national capital has experienced since 2021.
Air pollution may seem like a daily nuisance, but exposure during pregnancy and early childhood can have lasting effects. Paediatric and respiratory specialists explain how polluted air affects lung growth, immunity and brain development, increasing vulnerability to illness well beyond childhood.
Delhi's air quality plunged into lethal territory, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording an AQI of 439 at 7:00 am- rising from 432 late Saturday and peaking at 440 per reports, deep in the 'severe' bracket (401-500).
By Jan 31, 2026, a pilot initiative will roll out at 10 major metro stations, deploying e-autos, bike taxis, and feeder cabs for seamless last-mile links. Delhi Metro currently spans 395 km and plans to reach 500 km, serving 30-35 lakh daily passengers.
At the Pollution Ka Solution Conclave, Yumi Onishi and Pankaj Srivastava discussed the global pollution crisis, highlighting the need for environmental action, sustainability, and international cooperation.
Doctors at India TV's Pollution Ka Solution Conclave warn that rising air pollution is acting like a slow poison for pregnant women, increasing the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and long-term health issues in children.
At India TV's Pollution Ka Solution Conclave in New Delhi, leading doctors warned that air pollution is causing visible lung damage, rising disease, and permanent health harm. From newborns to non-smokers, polluted air is affecting every organ, making it a public health emergency.
Air pollution is no longer just a lung problem. Doctors warn it can trigger heart attacks even in healthy people by damaging blood vessels and increasing clot risk.
Indoor air pollution is often ignored inside homes. Dr Harsh Vardhan Puri, speaking to India TV, warned that common habits like burning mosquito coils release harmful particulate matter, sometimes comparable to cigarette smoke. He spoke at length about the hidden risks of indoor air pollution.
Delhi’s air pollution has become a serious health emergency, Dr Harsh Vardhan Puri, chest surgeon at Medanta Hospital, warns. The doctor says toxic air is damaging lungs before they fully develop, increasing asthma risk and setting the stage for lifelong respiratory illness.
The Air Quality Early Warning System said the AQI is likely to be in the 'severe' category on December 31 and January 1, before returning to the 'very poor' category on January 2.
The Central government also argued that the GST Council is not empowered to decide if air purifiers are 'medical devices' - a classification that triggers the lower tax rate. The government said this could only be decided by the Health Ministry, which has not been made part of this case.
Doctors have warned that air pollution is triggering a silent health crisis in India, with a growing burden of undiagnosed lung and heart diseases. Experts urge urgent action, early detection, and long-term clean air policies to prevent lasting damage.
Delhi LG VK Saxena said that Kejriwal is responsible for the pollution in Delhi and added that if he had done something in 11 years, the pollution situation in Delhi would not be this bad.
The Bombay High Court directed BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the Pollution Control Board Secretary to appear before it on Tuesday. The court also expressed displeasure over the authorities' failure to control air pollution.
The Gurugram district administration said the state government offices will operate from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, while the Municipal Corporations of Gurugram and Manesar, Municipal Councils of Sohna and Pataudi, and the Mandi Municipal Committee of Farrukhnagar will also follow the same timing.
Delhi Air Pollution: Police said more than 12,164 metric tons of waste collected and 2,068 kilometers of roads cleaned using machines. Apart from this, over 9,400 kilometers of roads cleaned using machines, water sprinkling, and anti-smog guns.
On Thursday, Chaudhary said that burning of bodies release gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which contribute a lot in pollution. He even referred to the festival of Holika Dahan and said the issue of air pollution is not about religion but about the environment.
The latest orders imply that not only will the entry of such vehicles be stopped, but also these run the risk of getting seized for violations.
School holiday: In view of the severe cold and persistent fog, all government, aided and private schools from Classes 1 to 8 will remain closed from December 18-20, officials said.
