Overview
- The CAQM sub-committee invoked Stage III measures with immediate effect across the National Capital Region after the city average AQI entered the 401–450 range.
- Delhi's average AQI rose from 362 on Monday to about 425 by 9 am Tuesday, with CPCB data showing most stations in the severe category and peaks up to 462 at Bawana.
- Restrictions include a complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition, closure of stone crushers and mining activities, and curbs on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida.
- Schools will run hybrid or online for classes up to Grade 5, and private offices are advised to adopt work-from-home or hybrid arrangements to reduce traffic emissions.
- Essential public projects such as rail, metro, airports, defence, sanitation and healthcare are allowed under strict dust and waste controls, with Stage III adding to Stages I–II until conditions improve.