Delhi’s air quality crisis deepened further this December as record pollution levels in Delhi triggered sharp political reactions and public health concerns. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Delhi government, accusing it of failing to enforce GRAP-IV restrictions despite worsening air conditions. The party claimed citizens are suffering due to what it described as administrative incompetence and selective rule enforcement.
दिल्ली में इस समय प्रदूषण का स्तर पिछले सभी रिकॉर्ड तोड़ चुका है। प्रदूषण की वजह से अस्पतालों में मरीजों की लाइन लगी हुई हैं।
लेकिन दिल्ली की BJP सरकार GRAP-4 के नियमों का पालन तक नहीं करवा पा रही है। सरकार ख़ुद निर्माण कार्य करवा रही है।
रेखा गुप्ता सरकार के निकम्मेपन का… pic.twitter.com/Sz9LlY89zd
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) December 20, 2025
In a post on X, AAP alleged that pollution levels have broken all previous December records, while hospitals report rising patient numbers. However, the party said the government failed to implement strict pollution control measures effectively. Moreover, AAP accused the administration of continuing construction activities even after Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) came into force.
“The pollution level in Delhi has broken all previous records at this time,” AAP stated. It further claimed that the BJP government failed to enforce GRAP-IV rules. According to the party, common people are bearing the consequences of governance lapses under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s administration.
December AQI Data Shows Worst Pollution in Eight Years
Data shared by AAP showed alarming trends for December air quality. The first 18 days of December recorded the worst air quality in at least eight years. Notably, the first eight days remained in the ‘very poor’ category, with AQI readings between 301 and 400.
As a result, the monthly average AQI rose sharply to 343. On December 14, the AQI peaked at 461, marking the highest December reading in eight years. These numbers underscore the severity of the record pollution in Delhi this winter.
GRAP Stage IV came into effect on December 13 following the sharp deterioration. These measures supplement earlier stages under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). However, despite the restrictions, pollution indicators continued to worsen across the National Capital Region.
What GRAP-IV Mandates and Why It Matters
GRAP-IV represents the strictest set of pollution curbs in Delhi-NCR. The measures include a complete ban on construction and demolition activities. Additionally, authorities prohibit open burning of waste and biomass. Entry of non-BS VI vehicles from outside Delhi also stands restricted.
Moreover, fuel stations must deny fuel to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates. The rules also mandate work-from-home for at least 50 percent of employees in government and private offices. These steps aim to reduce vehicular emissions and dust pollution during severe air episodes.
However, AAP alleged that enforcement remains weak on the ground. The party claimed that even government-led construction projects continue despite the ban. Consequently, pollution levels remain dangerously high, undermining the purpose of GRAP-IV.
Satellite Data Shows Fires Across NCR Despite Restrictions
Further raising concerns, satellite data from NASA’s FIRMS platform detected multiple active fires across Delhi and nearby NCR districts. These areas included Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Khekra, and Kharkoda. Ground checks by India Today also confirmed several violations.
AAP shared a video on X showing alleged GRAP-IV violations within Delhi. The party claimed rules are being openly flouted, worsening pollution exposure for residents. According to AAP, vehicle restrictions limited only to Delhi remain ineffective since emissions from NCR districts continue unchecked.
“The people of Delhi are suffering due to pollution,” AAP said. It added that weak enforcement allows pollution levels to rise unchecked, increasing health risks.
Toxic Smog Chokes Delhi as Visibility Drops Sharply
Meanwhile, Delhi woke up to a dense layer of toxic smog on Saturday morning, severely affecting visibility. The overall AQI stood at 380 around 7 am, nearing the ‘severe’ category. Several areas reported near-zero visibility conditions.
Safdarjung recorded the lowest visibility at just 200 metres. Palam followed with visibility at 350 metres. Out of 40 CPCB monitoring stations, 16 recorded ‘severe’ air quality. The remaining 24 stations reported ‘very poor’ readings. ITO recorded the highest AQI at 437.
On Friday, Delhi’s AQI stood at 374. At that time, 11 stations were in the severe category, while 29 remained very poor.
The Air Quality Early Warning System warned that pollution could worsen further. Forecasts suggest AQI levels may enter the severe category on Sunday and Monday. Unfavourable meteorological conditions may compound the crisis.