Overview
- Delhi recorded citywide AQI of about 333 on Saturday with 35 of 39 CPCB stations in the very poor range, Mundka peaking near 381 as the city logged its coldest December morning so far at 5.6°C.
- The IMD issued a cold-wave alert as stagnant, foggy conditions reduced dispersion, while CPCB data showed most neighborhoods from RK Puram to Anand Vihar stuck in very poor air.
- Delhi’s Decision Support System attributed the largest local share of PM2.5 to vehicles at roughly 15.3%, followed by industry at 7.6%, with GRAP Stage II curbs in force for dust control and traffic limits.
- Across Pakistan’s Punjab, air quality deteriorated sharply on Friday, with AQI readings reported at 415 in Faisalabad, 373 in Sialkot, 328 in Multan, and Lahore averaging around 279.
- Context from earlier in the week showed Lahore’s November PM2.5 falling to a daily average of 237 µg/m³—no days at ≥300—yet every day exceeded the 35 µg/m³ standard, prompting calls for sustained controls beyond stepped-up enforcement and fines.