Delhi’s air quality plunged to the “severe” category on Tuesday, marking the worst pollution levels in nearly a year. The dense morning smog and dropping temperatures pushed the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) to 428 — the highest since December 19 last year, when it touched 451. Following the alarming rise, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the NCR region.

Emergency Measures Across NCR

Stage III curbs include a ban on construction and demolition work, along with restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, except those used for essential services. Non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles and BS-IV light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also prohibited from entering the city until further notice.

Schools have been instructed to shift classes up to Class V to hybrid mode, while government and municipal offices have been advised to stagger working hours to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion.

Meteorological Conditions Behind the Spike

Experts attributed the pollution surge to calm winds and falling temperatures that allowed pollutants to settle near the surface. Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet Weather, explained, “The stagnant conditions overnight trapped pollutants, forming a thick smog layer. Winds picked up slightly on Tuesday afternoon, and moderate movement may improve air quality marginally by Wednesday.”

On Tuesday morning, visibility dropped to 600 metres at Safdarjung and 700 metres at Palam. Later in the day, sunlight helped lift the haze slightly, improving visibility to around 2,000 metres.

Delhi Records Season’s Lowest Temperature

The capital’s minimum temperature fell to 10.2°C, the lowest of the season so far and about four degrees below normal. Maximum temperature was recorded at 27.7°C, two notches below average.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 33 of Delhi’s 39 air quality stations recorded “severe” readings on Tuesday morning. Bawana (463) and Wazirpur (460) were among the worst affected areas.

Experts Predict Slight Relief

Meteorological forecasts indicate shallow fog and winds up to 20 km/hour in the coming days, which may help disperse pollutants slightly. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) predicts that Delhi’s AQI could improve to the “very poor” category by Wednesday and remain there through Friday.

CAQM has directed all implementing agencies to intensify pollution control measures and ensure strict compliance with Stage I, II, and III actions under GRAP.