he capital breathed slightly easier for the second consecutive day, with the air quality improving to the 'poor' category and an AQI of 234 recorded on Thursday (December 24, 2025).
Transport emissions and pollution from neighbouring cities continued to contribute significantly to the capital's air pollution load, according to official data.
Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 234 at 4 p.m., remaining in the 'poor' category, compared to 271 recorded at the same time a day earlier, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
This marked a significant improvement from the 'severe' AQI of 412 recorded at 4 p.m on Tuesday (December 23, 2025).
Out of the 40 functional air quality monitoring stations in the city, 10 recorded moderate AQI levels below 200, including Lodhi Road, IIT Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport and Aya Nagar, while 27 stations remained in the poor category.
