Overview
- The CAQM revoked Stage III restrictions across the NCR after Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI fell to about 235–236 from roughly 380, while retaining Stages I and II.
- Air quality began slipping again over the weekend, with the overall index back in the high 200s and many stations in the very poor range, and SAFAR forecast levels near 390 later on Sunday.
- The rollback allows private construction and demolition to resume and lifts curbs on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles, though sites with prior violations remain shut without explicit approval.
- The IMD issued a yellow alert for dense to very dense fog and warned of cold-wave pockets, with minimum temperatures around 6–9°C and maximums near 17–19°C through the coming days.
- Low visibility led to ongoing travel disruptions, including dozens of flight cancellations and hundreds of delays at Delhi airport, even as Republic Day rehearsals continued.