Delhi’s air quality crisis sharply escalated on Saturday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous level of 448. In response to this alarming surge, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) tightened emergency measures twice during the day. In the morning, Stage III restrictions were imposed as the AQI rose from 349 to 401, and by evening, they were escalated to the highest, Stage IV, after recording 448.
The decision to escalate actions was made during an extraordinary meeting at 6:30 PM when officials noted a steady rise in the AQI throughout the afternoon—from 431 at 4:00 PM to 441 by 6:00 PM. Under Stage IV, the strictest level of the Graded Response Action Plan, all construction and demolition activities were banned across the Delhi-NCR region, including linear projects like highway, flyover, power transmission line construction, as well as telecom work.
Additionally, a complete ban on truck entry into Delhi, except for vehicles transporting essential goods[1] or those powered by CNG, LNG, electricity, or meeting BS-VI emission standards was enforced.
The Delhi government ordered schools to conduct hybrid classes for students up to classes IX and XI[3], giving parents the choice between in-person and online learning. Both government and private offices are currently operating at 50 percent capacity, with the remaining employees working remotely.
In the regions of Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, the movement of petrol vehicles complying with BS-III standards and BS-IV diesel vehicles was restricted. According to CAQM, the sharp deterioration of air quality was caused by a significant reduction in wind speed, which was intermittently calm[7], changes in wind direction from west to east, and increased moisture in the lower atmospheric layers.
A weak western disturbance approaching northwest India created conditions favorable for smog formation, trapping pollutants near the surface and preventing their dispersion. The Indian Meteorological Department warned that in the early morning hours, dense fog could reduce visibility to just 100 meters.
The latest analysis conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment revealed that Delhi’s winter air pollution is now mainly caused by local emissions from traffic, industry, and waste burning[11], rather than seasonal crop residue fires. Levels of suspended particulate matter PM2.5 rise along with nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide during morning and evening peak hours, forming a so-called “toxic cocktail.”
Health authorities have urged children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues to stay indoors. They also recommend wearing protective masks when going outside is unavoidable.