AQI at 462, Delhi wakes up to thick blanket of smog

Many areas experienced low visibility due to smog. Visuals from the Patparganj section of NH-24, where the AQI was recorded 488 showed the area shrouded with dense smog.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from the Patparganj section of NH-24 as a layer of toxic smog blankets the city.

AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 488, categorised as ‘Severe’, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).

CAQM (Commission for Air Quality… pic.twitter.com/RAp43VUQ4f

— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2025

Visuals from the Akshardham temple showed the iconic structure barely visible from a distance amid the thick haze.

VIDEO | Delhi: Morning weather visuals from Akshardham as dense smog blankets the national capital. With air quality deteriorating across the Delhi-NCR region, GRAP-4 has been invoked. The iconic Akshardham temple is barely visible from a distance amid the thick haze.#DelhiSmog… pic.twitter.com/tbpHMIgYK9

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 14, 2025

Delhi airport issues advisory

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued an advisory for passengers amid the low visibility conditions.

The airport urged passengers to contact the concerned airlines for updated flight information.

“Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information,” read the advisory.

GRAP-IV implemented in Delhi-NCR amid severe+ AQI

Meanwhile, with air quality deteriorating sharply across the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Saturday invoked Stage IV (Severe+) restrictions across Delhi-NCR.

The Stage IV curbs come in addition to the preventive and restrictive actions already in force under Stage I, Stage II and Stage III of GRAP.

As part of the Stage IV action plan, the entry of trucks into Delhi has been completely stopped, except for those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. However, trucks running on LNG, CNG, electricity or BS-VI diesel are permitted to enter the city.

All construction and demolition (C&D) activities have been suspended across Delhi-NCR under Stage IV. This includes not only private construction but also linear public infrastructure projects, such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, pipelines, power transmission lines and telecom works.