Overview
- Delhi’s citywide AQI improved to roughly 395–397 on January 20, moving from the ‘severe’ band to ‘very poor’, according to CPCB data.
- The CAQM revoked GRAP Stage‑IV restrictions and kept Stage‑I to Stage‑III measures in force, directing agencies to maintain strict vigilance.
- Performance reviews found shortfalls of about 7% to 99.6% in key actions such as construction inspections, mechanical road sweeping and complaint redressal, with DPCC and SPCBs told to identify responsible officers.
- Forecasts from AQEWS/IMD/IITM project air quality staying in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range over the next few days unless weather improves.
- Experts linked the spike to calm winds and dense fog, while IITM’s DSS showed transport as the top PM2.5 source (~10.6%) and significant inputs from nearby districts; the episode also saw over 500 flight delays.