Delhi and several parts of North India woke up to a thick, hazardous blanket of smog and dense fog on Wednesday, severely impacting visibility and disrupting daily life. The air quality plunged into the 'very poor' category, while the intense fog layer led to significant delays and cancellations in both air and rail travel.
Air Quality Plummets, Visibility Drops to 100 Metres
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 349 around 5:30 am. This reading firmly placed Delhi's air in the 'very poor' category, posing health risks to residents. The minimum temperature settled at 12 degrees Celsius.
The situation was compounded by a dense fog cover that engulfed the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport dropped to as low as around 100 metres at 6 am. The fog persisted, with the general visibility improving to 2300 metres only by 11 AM, as per airport systems.
Travel Chaos: Flights Cancelled, Trains Delayed
The low visibility triggered major travel disruptions across North India. At Delhi's IGI Airport, the fog led to the cancellation of at least 10 flights and delays for over 270 flights. Authorities issued an advisory, stating that while operations were presently normal, passengers should contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information.
Rail travel was equally affected. Several trains were delayed due to the dense fog in the region, causing considerable inconvenience to passengers, as witnessed at the New Delhi railway station. The fog blanket extended over iconic landmarks, with skies around India Gate and Kartavya Path also shrouded in grey.
Life Continues Amidst the Smog
Despite the challenging conditions, daily activities carried on. In a testament to resilience, the Indian Navy contingent was seen rehearsing for the upcoming Republic Day parade early in the morning amidst the dark, smoggy skies, as reported by PTI. The scene highlighted the ongoing preparations for the national event even as the city grappled with the severe weather and pollution.
The combination of intense cold, fog, and deteriorating air quality marks a recurring winter challenge for North India, affecting millions of people and underscoring the persistent issue of pollution in the region.
