December 31, 2025: Delhi struggles with ‘very poor’ air, records zero clean air days this year

For today’s Aaj Ka AQI, Newslaundry travelled to Connaught Place, where hundreds are expected to assemble to ring in the new year. The AQI monitors installed there showed an AQI of 163. The closest CPCB monitoring station showed an AQI of 385, but our air quality monitor put the number at 393 – in the 'very poor' category. 

An analysis of AQI.in data found that Delhi recorded no clean air days in 2025. Based on US monitoring standards, the data shows the city spent the entire year oscillating between ‘moderate’, ‘poor’, ‘unhealthy’, ‘severe’ and ‘hazardous’ air quality categories.

Two zones in the NCR region – Noida and Ghaziabad – also emerged as the most polluted areas in India, according to CPCB data.

With 2026 on the horizon, will Delhiites wake up to the same toxic air reality yet again? Tune in to find out.

This show is part of a collaborative campaign to tackle air pollution. Here’s how you can join the Fight To Breathe. Click here to power this campaign.