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From toxic smog in winter to submerged roads after heavy rains, this year has shown how Indian cities are struggling to deal with pollution and extreme weather.
Delhi’s air quality crisis: A year of unsafe air
Delhi spent most of 2025 breathing air that was unsafe to breathe. Official air quality data showed that the city recorded ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ AQI levels on several days, with readings crossing 400 during the peak winter months.
December turned out to be one of the worst periods. Data compiled from monitoring stations showed that December 2025 was Delhi’s dirtiest December since 2018, with the average AQI level near 350. Weather conditions such as dense fog and low wind speeds trapped pollutants, pushing air quality deeper into the danger zone.
Image: Reuters
As pollution levels increased, authorities repeatedly imposed restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which included limits on construction activity, diesel vehicles and industrial operations. These steps provided some relief but failed to stop the recurring surges.
Impact reflected on health trends. Insurance data reported during the year showed that children accounted for over 40% of pollution-related health claims, with Delhi being one of the worst-affected cities.
Long-term assessments presented an equally worrying picture. The 2025 review of air quality trends states that despite years of clean air plans and policy interventions, no Indian metro city meets safe air standards.
Monsoon floods have brought the capital to a standstill
If winters were marked by smog, monsoons exposed Delhi’s weak drainage systems.
The heavy rains caused widespread waterlogging, traffic jams and disruption of daily life. Heavy rains in many parts of the city resulted in flooding of underpasses and main roads within a matter of hours, leading to overflowing drains.
Image: Reuters
Urban planning assessments and government reviews have repeatedly pointed to clogged drains, aging infrastructure and construction on natural drainage channels as major causes of Delhi’s frequent floods.
Other metros also faced the same reality
Delhi’s problems mirror those faced by other major cities in 2025.
In Mumbai, heavy rains once again flooded low-lying areas along the Mithi river, exposing long-standing issues related to unplanned development and neglect of natural water channels.
Image: PTI
Gurugram witnessed repeated flooding despite moderate rains, with the planning report pointing to loss of wetlands and blocking of natural water flow from the Aravalli region.
Bengaluru is also grappling with waterlogging in both old neighborhoods and newly developed layouts, highlighting how rapidly urban growth has outstripped drainage capacity.
What was revealed about the cities of India in 2025?
The twin challenges of air pollution and flooding stem from the same issue – the expansion of cities without regard to environmental limits.
Data and official reviews show that emergency measures such as temporary restrictions or drain-cleaning campaigns are not enough. Structural solutions such as clean transportation systems, strict pollution controls, protected water bodies, and climate-ready urban planning remain slow and uneven.
A warning for the years to come
By the end of 2025, Delhi had become a clear example of how Indian cities are grappling with rising pollution and extreme weather. This situation has also raised urgent questions about preparedness as climate-related events become more frequent and intense.
Without long-term planning and strong implementation, residents may face a new normal – unsafe windy winters and monsoons that leave streets flooded year after year.