Delhis AQI back in very poor category a day after slipping into severe; fog disrupts flights, trains
On Tuesday, Delhi recorded the second-worst air quality in the country with an AQI of 412, after neighbouring Noida, which registered an AQI of 426.
New Delhi: A thick blanket of smog engulfed Delhi on Wednesday even as the city witnessed a thin layer of fog this morning. Air quality in the national capital improved slightly and jumped back to the 'very poor' category, a day after the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the 'severe 'category in the cit,y which has been grappling with the prolonged pollution spell this winter.
This morning, the 24-hour average AQI stood at 349. On Tuesday, the AQI in most of the areas in the city crossed 400 mark, which falls under the "severe" category. While light to moderate fog continued to linger in the city, a grey haze enveloped the capital.
Flights, trains affected due to fog
Meanwhile, several flights at Delhi airport were delayed due to low visibility caused by fog. In an advisory issued to passengers, Delhi airport said low-visibility procedures were in effect. "All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information," the advisory at 7:00 stated. In a later update at 8:00 am, the Delhi airport said the flight operaions are running smoothly.
Low visibility also disrupted train services, leading to several delays and cancellations. Several trains are running late due to fog.
Noida, Gurugram's AQI in 'very poor' category
Besides Delhi, neighbouring areas including Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram also recorded the AQI readings above 300, which under the "very poor" category. On Tuesday, Delhi recorded the second-worst air quality in the country with an AQI of 412, after neighbouring Noida, which registered an AQI of 426.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), dense to very dense fog conditions will continue to prevail across several northern states, including Delhi, until December 27.