A thick, hazardous blanket of dense fog descended upon Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday, dramatically reducing visibility and compounding the city's ongoing air pollution crisis. The sudden weather shift turned major roads and residential zones into ghostly landscapes, severely disrupting daily life and transportation.
Visibility Drops, Flights Face Disruptions
The aviation sector scrambled to adapt as the fog intensified. The Ministry of Civil Aviation activated specific low-visibility protocols to manage operations. Delhi Airport issued a direct advisory to passengers, confirming that while low-visibility procedures were ongoing, flight operations were currently normal. They urged all travellers to contact their airlines for the most recent updates. Major carriers like Air India and IndiGo proactively alerted flyers about potential delays and schedule changes due to the challenging conditions.
Air Quality Plummets to 'Severe' Levels
The fog's arrival coincided with dangerously high pollution levels, creating a double public health hazard. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 7 am was recorded at 380, squarely in the 'Very Poor' category. However, several localities reported far worse conditions, breaching the 'Severe' threshold of 401. Critical readings included:
- Sarai Kale Khan: AQI 428 (Severe)
- Akshardham: AQI 420 (Severe)
- Rao Tularam Marg: AQI 403 (Severe)
- Barapullah flyover: AQI 380 (Very Poor)
In response to the escalating crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced all measures under GRAP Stage-IV, the highest anti-pollution action plan, across Delhi-NCR.
Official Alerts and Public Advisory
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) raised an orange alert for the day, warning residents of the persistent fog and its impacts. Authorities have rolled out a fresh set of pollution curbs, ranging from work-from-home recommendations to restrictions on vehicle movement. The consistent public health advisory urges people to:
- Minimize all outdoor activities.
- Wear N95 or equivalent masks when going outside is unavoidable.
- Stay informed about flight schedules and local weather alerts.
The combination of near-zero visibility and toxic air has brought the capital to a virtual standstill, highlighting the urgent need for sustained action against winter pollution.
