Low visibility in Delhi as thick smog engulfs city; AQI breaches 450-mark

Visuals from Anand Vihar and Akshardham, where the AQI was recorded at 493 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), showed both areas shrouded with dense smog.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around Anand Vihar area as a thick layer of toxic smog engulfs the national capital.

AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 493, categorised as ‘Severe’, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).

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

— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2025

#WATCH | A thick layer of smog engulfs the National Capital. Visuals from the Akshardham area. AQI here is 493, categorised as ‘severe’ as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) pic.twitter.com/b9k9fthFDk

— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued an orange alert for fog in several parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Noida and Ghaziabad and urged residents to exercise caution.

VIDEO | Delhi: A thick layer of smog engulfs the national capital, reducing visibility and shrouding iconic landmarks, as visuals from India Gate and Kartavya Path areas show hazy conditions across the city.#DelhiSmog #AirPollution #IndiaGate

(Full video available on PTI… pic.twitter.com/bDSZxCy9ut

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 15, 2025

Delhi airport issues advisory

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

In a statement on the airport’s official social media handle, authorities stated that due to dense fog, flight operations might be disrupted and urged passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information.

“Due to dense fog, flight operations may experience disruptions. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers. For the latest flight updates, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines,” read the advisory.

Update issued at 06:12 hours.
Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/qjVGEBhPxu

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 15, 2025

All classes except 10 & 12 to go hybrid in Delhi-NCR

The Delhi Directorate of Education directed all schools to conduct classes for students up to Class IX and XI in a hybrid mode in light of the deteriorating AQI. This decision follows an order issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which invoked Stage IV actions under GRAP.

The hybrid model is applicable to schools in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar as well, a CAQM order stated.

WATCH | Delhi Pollution: Seasons Worst Smog Grips Delhi-NCR, AQI Around 500

In an official order, the Delhi government directed that all administrative secretaries and heads of departments shall attend office regularly, with no more than 50% staff strength physically present.

“The remaining 50% staff shall work from home, provided that the administrative secretaries and heads of departments can call officers/officials to the office, as required to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential and emergency public services,” the order read.

Likewise, the order stipulated that all private offices operating within Delhi shall function with no more than 50% staff physically attending the workplace. “The remaining staff shall mandatorily work from home,” it added.

The order also urged all private entities to implement staggered working hours where feasible. Furthermore, private offices have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with work-from-home norms and minimise vehicular movement related to office commutes.

Other NCR states have been given similar directions by CAQM, while the Union government may take a call on work-from-home arrangements for its employees.