Delhi’s smog is absolutely brutal today, December 13, 2025. I woke up and it felt like the whole city was wrapped in this grey haze you could practically chew. The AQI started bad in the morning, hit 401 pretty quick, and by evening it was up to around 448 overall. Places like Anand Vihar? 488. Bawana nearly 500. No joke, it’s like breathing through a tailpipe.
The authorities didn’t mess around – they slapped on GRAP Stage 4 this evening, the toughest level, on top of the earlier stages. Calm winds, no dispersion, all the usual crap from vehicles and dust just hanging there. They said it’s to stop it getting even worse, ’cause forecasts aren’t great.
So, what’s shut down or restricted big time?
All construction and demolition? Completely halted. No sites running, no road works, no big projects – nothing. That’s to kill off the dust cloud.
Trucks coming into Delhi? Most are banned flat out. Only if they’re hauling essentials like food, milk, veggies, medicines, or if they’re electric, CNG, LNG, or the newest BS-VI diesel ones. Even local older diesel heavy vehicles are off the roads unless it’s some emergency job.
Offices are going super hybrid – government spots at half capacity, rest work from home. Private ones are told to do the same, cut down on all those commutes adding to the mess.
Schools and colleges? States can decide, but expect a lot shifting to online or hybrid, especially for younger kids. They might keep board classes going in person, but others? Probably remote to keep the little ones safe.
What’s still good to go?
All the life-saving stuff – ambulances, fire trucks, hospitals, supplies for milk, meds, fresh produce. Metro and buses? Running strong, actually push to use them more.
Shops, markets, restaurants? Open, though probably with some crowd caps.
Cleaner rides like electric or CNG personal cars? No problem at all.
Odd-even for private cars isn’t here yet, thank god, but if things spike more, who knows.
Man, it’s rough – my eyes are stinging just thinking about it, throat feels scratchy, and everyone’s talking about more coughs and asthma flare-ups. Hospitals are gonna be packed. We’ve dealt with this winter nonsense year after year, but damn, it hits hard every time.
If you’re out there, seriously: mask up with a proper N95, stay inside if possible, keep windows closed, hydrate like crazy, and maybe skip the run or whatever till the wind picks up.
Come on, some breeze, clear this junk out soon. Take it easy, everyone – look after yourselves and the fam.
Sources :
* Times of India: “GRAP 4 invoked in Delhi: AQI crosses 400; what’s restricted and what’s not”
* The Economic Times: Articles on GRAP-IV imposition as AQI crosses 450
* The Hindu: Coverage of Stage 4 curbs with AQI at 441
* India Today: GRAP-IV details and hybrid offices/schools
* Hindustan Times: Similar reports on restrictions and AQI trends
