Overview
- CAQM’s Sub-Committee invoked Stage IV across the NCR on Saturday evening after Delhi’s AQI, around 400 at 4 pm, surged to as high as 428 by night.
- Stage IV measures tighten curbs with a complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition, closure of stone crushers and mining, and stricter vehicle restrictions including BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers.
- Pollution control boards and implementing agencies were ordered to intensify enforcement and strictly apply all Stage I–IV actions to check further deterioration.
- The escalation followed Stage III imposed on Friday as forecasts from IMD/IITM warned of worsening dispersion; by Saturday morning the citywide AQI reached 368, with hotspots such as Anand Vihar at 442, Patparganj at 433 and Chandni Chowk at 427.
- Dense fog persisted with Low Visibility Procedures active at IGI Airport, leading to delays and advisories for passengers to confirm flight status with airlines.