Delhi NCR Faces Dangerous Smog Crisis: Air Quality Index Exceeds 450 as Visibility Drops to 5-10 Meters

Videos Show "Dangerous" Situation In Delhi NCR As It Chokes Under Dense Smog

The Delhi NCR region is currently engulfed in a thick layer of smog, with plummeting temperatures and Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 450, classified as 'severe'. On Monday (Dec 15), residents encountered dense smog that reduced visibility to merely 5-10 meters. This alarming situation prompted authorities to issue health advisories and implement pollution control measures.

Social media users have been documenting the crisis by sharing footage from their residences and workplaces to illustrate the current conditions across the NCR region. One Instagram user posted video evidence showing Delhi's road conditions at 6:30 am on December 15, which commenters described as "dangerous".

The deteriorating air quality stems from multiple factors including weak surface winds, foggy weather conditions, and emissions from transportation, industrial activities, and biomass burning. Experts warn that the situation may further deteriorate as temperatures drop during nighttime and wind speeds remain low.

Also read | "Delhi NCR Is Cooked": User Lists 6 Reasons To Argue Why Delhi NCR No Longer Liveable, Internet Reacts

Watch some of the videos here:

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A post shared by Jaideep Krishna (@jaideepkrishna1961)

We've heard of River View, Mountain View, Lake View, and Sunset View apartments…So are these Fog View or Pollution View apartments? 🌫️🤔 pic.twitter.com/y09HSEUMLC

— Greater Noida West (@GreaterNoidaW) December 15, 2025

0 visibility in Noida today #Pollution #fog #noida #GreaterNoida @aajtak @ravish_journo pic.twitter.com/HOrRQHTzaX

— abhishek srivastava (@Abhishek16891) December 15, 2025

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated measures under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) stage IV, imposing restrictions on construction activities, industrial operations, and vehicle movement. Educational institutions across Delhi and surrounding areas have been instructed to transition to online or hybrid learning models.

This severe air quality poses substantial health hazards, especially for vulnerable populations including children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Authorities are advising residents to minimize outdoor activities and implement necessary precautionary measures.

On December 14, similar conditions were reported as numerous social media users shared comparable videos while urging authorities to take immediate action. One Instagram user shared footage with the caption, "What is this??? AQI or deadly Air Pollution... Are we really living this way??"

Another social media user reflected, "As kids, thick fog felt magical. We imagined we were walking through clouds.... laughing, running, unafraid. It felt natural. Pure. Almost unreal. Today in NCR, the same view feels terrifying. Because it's no longer just fog. It's polluted air. Silent. Invisible. Harmful."