Overview
- Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI rose to 374–388 with 16 monitoring stations in the ‘severe’ band, triggering continued GRAP Stage 3 curbs including construction bans and traffic restrictions.
- The National Health Authority warned of worsening air quality across Punjab and the Pothohar region due to stable conditions, emissions, residual crop burning and an approaching weather system.
- Punjab officials earlier touted Lahore’s AQI near 168 after a tech-driven crackdown with 41 monitors, drone surveillance, smog guns, an EPF force and strict checks on industry and vehicles.
- Separate readings later showed Lahore averaging 321 with several sites above 400, as health bodies advised masks, limited outdoor activity and set up free medical camps with oxygen and medicines.
- IITM’s Decision Support System estimated vehicular emissions contributed about 18–20% to Delhi’s pollution and stubble burning around 5% and falling, while third‑party trackers logged hazardous hotspots in UP with AQI readings exceeding 500 and even 1,000 in one locality.