Delhi Chokes as Smog Thickens, Airport Faces Technical Crisis
The national capital woke up to a severe air quality crisis on Saturday, with a thick blanket of smog reducing visibility and turning the air hazardous for residents. According to the Early Warning System (EWS), Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 335. However, the situation appeared even more grim according to private monitor aqi.in, which pegged the AQI at a alarming 566 around 7 am.
Visuals from across the city showed a dense layer of smog enveloping roads and localities, creating dangerous conditions for commuters and pedestrians alike. The spike in pollution levels coincides with a drop in temperature across the Delhi-NCR region, a seasonal pattern that often traps pollutants close to the ground.
Airport Technical Glitch Causes Widespread Disruption
Adding to the city's woes, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) faced massive disruptions for the second consecutive day due to a technical issue. The problem was linked to the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), which is crucial for supporting the Air Traffic Control flight planning process.
According to an official release from Delhi Airport, the situation is gradually improving. However, the impact was severe, with sources confirming that at least 600 flights were delayed on Friday, causing significant inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
Supreme Court's Stray Dog Order Stirs Logistical Concerns
In a separate development, a directive from the Supreme Court has triggered concerns among animal welfare groups. The court on Friday ordered authorities to forthwith remove every stray dog from public premises, including educational institutions, hospitals, and transport hubs.
The order mandates that the captured animals be taken to designated shelters and not released back to their original locations. This has raised serious questions about the logistics of implementation, given that Delhi has an estimated 8 lakh stray dogs. The animal welfare nonprofits that assist the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have expressed doubts about their capacity to handle such a large number of animals, suggesting the system may not be able to handle the load.
The combination of hazardous air, travel chaos, and a contentious animal control order has created a multi-faceted public crisis in the capital, demanding immediate attention from various civic agencies.
