Sun Dec 14 20:36:54 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

On December 14, 2025, Delhi’s air quality reached a season-high of 461, classified as ‘severe plus’. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) criticized the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for negligence in road upkeep, contributing to dust pollution. Inspections revealed significant dust levels on numerous road stretches, along with the accumulation of waste and instances of open burning. The CAQM urged the DDA to improve operational efficiency and implement consistent dust mitigation measures. Air quality is expected to remain in the “very poor” category for the foreseeable week.

News Article:

Delhi Chokes as Air Quality Hits Season-High; CAQM Blasts DDA for Negligence

New Delhi – December 15, 2025 – Delhi residents woke up to hazardous air quality on Sunday, December 14th, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a season-high of 461, categorized as ‘severe plus’. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has squarely placed blame on the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for failing to adequately maintain roads, contributing significantly to dust pollution.

Inspections conducted by CAQM flying squads of 136 road stretches managed by the DDA revealed alarming lapses. Fifteen stretches exhibited high levels of visible dust, while 38 showed moderate levels. Adding to the problem, municipal solid waste (MSW) was found accumulating on 55 stretches, construction and demolition waste on 53, and instances of open burning of MSW or biomass were observed on six stretches.

“These observations clearly indicate evident gaps and recurring negligence in the upkeep of the stretches concerned,” the CAQM stated in a release. The commission has urged the DDA to improve its “operational efficiency” and implement “consistent and timely dust mitigation interventions.”

The poor air quality extends beyond Delhi, with several cities in neighboring states, including Bahadurgarh (Haryana) and Ghaziabad and Noida (Uttar Pradesh), also experiencing ‘severe plus’ air quality.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average AQI at 4 p.m. on Sunday was 461. While a slight improvement to the ‘very poor’ category is anticipated for Monday, long-term forecasts paint a grim picture. The Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi predicts that air quality will remain in the ‘very poor’ category from Monday to Wednesday and for the subsequent six days.

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