It’s December 22, 2025, and stepping outside in North India right now feels like walking into a gas chamber. The air quality isn't just "bad"—it’s dangerous.
We aren't talking about the usual winter haze. Cities like Delhi and Kanpur have breached the 'Severe' category again, forcing authorities to hit the panic button. If you are breathing this air without protection, you are smoking the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day.
The Numbers Are Scary
This isn't fear-mongering; the data is alarming. By 8:00 AM today, Delhi's average AQI stood at 366. But averages hide the real picture.
In hotspots like Narela, the AQI shot up to 418. That is officially 'Severe'.
Down in Kanpur, things are even worse. The PM2.5 levels are ten times the safe limit. Near IIT Kanpur, the AQI is hovering around 390-392. This is hazardous territory. It’s a toxic cocktail of a cold wave, dense fog, and zero wind speed that has trapped pollutants right where we breathe.
What’s happening on the ground:
- GRAP Stage IV is live: This is the strictest level of emergency response.
- Trucks stopped: Non-essential heavy vehicles can't enter Delhi unless they run on LNG, CNG, or electric.
- Work from home: Offices are being told to run at 50% capacity.
Daily Life Has Paused
The smog is messing up schedules everywhere. If you had travel plans, double-check them. Over 40 flights at IGI Airport were cancelled today, and 50+ trains are running late because visibility is practically zero.
But the biggest impact is on our kids.
Schools are shifting gears again. From Nursery to Class 5, it's back to online classes. For older students, it's a mix of hybrid models. Most schools in Delhi have just declared winter vacations early, starting tomorrow until January 1, 2026.
How to actually stay safe:
1. Ditch the cloth mask The handkerchief or surgical mask you have in your pocket? It’s useless against PM2.5 particles. You need an N95 or N99 mask if you are stepping out. No compromises.
2. Stop the morning walks I know morning walks are a ritual for many of us, but right now, they are harmful. The pollution is heaviest in the early hours. Shift your exercise to the afternoon when the sun cuts through the smog a bit.
3. Desi diet hacks Hydration is key. Drink water constantly to help your body flush out toxins. Add jaggery (gud) and turmeric to your diet—they are natural cleansers for the lungs.
Is This The New Normal?
It feels frustrating, doesn't it? Every December, we have the same conversation. While the government distributes air purifiers to schools and bans construction, these feel like band-aids on a bullet wound.
For now, the weather isn't helping, and the wind isn't moving. The smog is here to stay for at least a few more days until the temperature shifts.
Keep your windows closed, run that air purifier if you have one, and look out for the elderly in your family. If anyone complains of breathless or chest tightness, don't wait—head to a doctor immediately.
Are you seeing a drop in visibility in your city today? Let me know in the comments. 😷
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are schools closed during high pollution?
Children breathe faster than adults, taking in more pollutants relative to their body size. Closing schools prevents them from exposure during travel and outdoor activities.
What is GRAP protection in Delhi?
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures that kicks in when AQI crosses certain thresholds, banning construction and restricting diesel vehicles.
Will artificial rain solve the problem?
Cloud seeding is an experimental, temporary measure to wash down pollutants. It's expensive and depends on specific weather conditions, making it not a permanent solution.
When does the pollution season end?
Air quality typically improves by mid-February as wind speeds increase and temperatures rise, dispersing the trapped pollutants.
Expert Tips and Advice
- Create a clean room for kids
- Wet mop floors to trap dust
- Avoid frying food indoors
- Use N95 masks for children
- Consult doctors for wheezing
Final Thoughts
Protecting the next generation from permanent lung damage is the priority. Until the air clears, indoor safety becomes paramount for families in North India.
Impact Tracker
• Early November: Schools ordered to close for primary classes as AQI crosses 400.
• Mid-November: Ban on non-essential construction and diesel trucks (BS3/BS4) enforced.
• Late November: Medical experts report a 30% spike in nebulizer use among children.
• Current Status: Schools reopening is contingent on AQI dropping below 'Very Poor' category for three consecutive days.
Muhammad Ali
Contributor
Muhammad Ali is an independent journalist and environmental affairs writer covering air quality, public health, and climate-related issues across South Asia.
