Overview
- The India Meteorological Department kept Delhi on an orange alert for dense to very dense fog on Saturday after zero visibility at Safdarjung and 50 metres at Palam early Friday.
- Flight disruption remained severe: airport and media reports cited more than 700 flights affected and at least 177 cancellations on Friday, with over 120 more cancellations reported on Saturday as low-visibility procedures continued.
- Delhi’s average AQI hovered in the very poor range near 384–396, while many hotspots, including Vivek Vihar, Anand Vihar, ITO and Sarai Kale Khan, logged severe readings above 400.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management imposed all GRAP Stage-IV curbs across Delhi-NCR, including bans on non-essential construction and restrictions on certain diesel vehicles, alongside enforcement such as the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule.
- The Air Quality Early Warning System projected a slide into the severe category over the weekend as falling temperatures and weak winds trap pollutants, and authorities advised residents to limit travel and outdoor exposure.