India, Dec. 3 -- Union environment, forest and climate change minister Bhupender Yadav announced December 3, 2025 that the Centre has asked Delhi and all national capital region (NCR) states and municipal bodies to prepare comprehensive, year-round air quality action plans for 2026, marking the most significant shift yet from seasonal firefighting to long-term, continuous pollution management.

This assumes significance as Delhi-NCR breathes poor quality air round-the-year, especially during winter months (November-February). The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi on December 3 at 12 PM was in the 'very poor' category at 362 against 372 at 4 pm a day ago, according to CPCB.

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