Overview
- Lahore’s overall AQI reached hazardous levels on Oct. 29, with global monitoring showing readings around 403–462 and local hotspots in the city hitting the 500 instrument limit.
- Other Punjabi cities also suffered dangerous air, with one report citing an IQAir reading in Faisalabad as high as 1,037, underscoring the severity of the regional spike.
- Punjab authorities activated emergency responses including water sprinkling, mechanical road washing, anti-smog guns and a new Smog Monitoring and Control Centre.
- Delhi’s 24-hour AQI hovered near 279 in the “poor” category despite brief improvement, as officials trialed cloud-seeding and forecasts pointed to a slide toward “very poor” conditions by Nov. 1.
- Experts and agencies attributed the surge to stubble burning, vehicular and industrial emissions, open waste fires and stagnant weather, and advised residents to limit outdoor activity and wear masks.