Overview
- CAQM escalated restrictions to Stage 4 on Saturday evening after Delhi’s AQI rose from 400 at 4 p.m. to 428 by 8 p.m., then hovered around 434–439 through late night and early Sunday.
- Stage 4 actions halt all construction and demolition, close stone crushers and mining, restrict BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers and certain truck entries, and shift younger classes to hybrid schooling.
- CPCB data showed severe hotspots with readings such as 489 at Anand Vihar, 469 at Dwarka Sector 8, 464 at Chandni Chowk and 448 at ITO.
- Dense fog combined with smog reduced visibility as Delhi Airport kept Low Visibility Procedures in effect and advised passengers to check with airlines due to delays.
- Forecasts from IMD, IITM and AQEWS indicate air quality is likely to remain in the severe band through Sunday before improving to very poor, with health advisories urging limited outdoor exposure, especially for vulnerable groups.