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Delhi Posts Worst December PM2.5 Since 2018 at 211 µg/m³

A monsoon-aided dip in the yearly average gave way to a winter surge driven by persistent year-round emissions.

Overview

  • CPCB data show the monthly mean PM2.5 reached 211 µg/m³ in December 2025, reversing last year’s lower December levels.
  • The daily city average peaked at 392.65 µg/m³ on December 14, while stations such as Mundka hit 597.67 µg/m³.
  • Delhi and the wider NCR are under GRAP Stage 3 curbs, including bans on non-essential construction and stone crushing.
  • For January 1–December 28, the annual PM2.5 averaged 95.31 µg/m³, a slight decline credited to an unusually wet monsoon yet still far above national and WHO limits.
  • Analysts say the mid-December spike occurred without stubble burning and argue entrenched transport, industrial and power emissions require enforceable sector-specific cuts.