Overview
- Official data showed a season-high hourly AQI of 391 in the morning, with 24 of 39 Delhi stations breaching 400, before the city’s 24-hour average settled near 370.
- Models estimated stubble burning contributed about 5% to PM2.5, while IMD cited falling temperatures, weak winds and fog trapping locally generated pollution.
- CAQM reviewed conditions and maintained only GRAP Stages 1–2, saying Stage-3 restrictions were not warranted given the improving daily average and near-term forecasts.
- Air quality worsened across the NCR, with Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad in the very poor range and Gurugram comparatively lower but still unhealthy.
- Residents and activists protested at India Gate demanding stronger action and were detained by police citing designated protest-site rules, as a PIL sought a national plan on pollution.