Smog chokes Delhi as AQI soars to 407; dense fog engulfs city, mercury dips to 7 degrees
Delhi continues to reel under severe cold and toxic air as the AQI surged to 407, placing the national capital in the severe pollution category. Reduced visibility due to dense smog has disrupted flight and train operations, prompting travel advisories from airlines and IGI Airport, while commuters remain affected by delays and hazardous weather conditions.
New Delhi: Delhi continues to struggle with biting cold as a thick layer of smog engulfs the national capital. The cold weather, accompanied by polluted air, has reduced visibility for commuters. The toxic conditions have once again prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for the NCR region and surrounding areas.
The national capital on Tuesday recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 407, placing it in the severe category. The AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 443, while Dwarka reported 370. The cold wave has also gripped residents, with the minimum temperature expected to drop to 7–9 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is likely to hover between 21–24 degrees Celsius.
IndiGo issues advisory
The toxic and unpredictable weather pattern has prompted IndiGo Airlines to issue travel advisories. The airline stated that low visibility could impact flights in Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jammu and Kashmir, and other region. Several other airlines also issued advisories. The Indira Gandhi International Airport also issued advisories, to monitor the flight schedules to avoid chaos.
Flights between Delhi and major cities are facing disruptions due to dense fog across the NCR region. Delhi–Mumbai flights like QP 1719 are delayed, while AI 3100 is not operating, and several others including 6E 6065, 6E 449, SG 385, AI 1745, AI 2975, AI 2429, and IX 1283 are affected. Similarly, Delhi–Kolkata flights 6E 5014 and AI 2705, as well as Delhi–Bangalore flights 6E 6833 and AI 2815, have been cancelled. Several trains are also expected to run late, and passengers have been advised to check schedules regularly before heading to railway stations. 15 out of 23 trains get delayed due to dense fog in Northern India
Delhi government to install anti-smog guns to combat pollution
To combat pollution, the Delhi government is planning to install anti-smog guns at the city’s three inter-state bus terminals, starting with the Kashmere Gate bus terminal, a senior government official said. He added that eight anti-smog guns will be installed on the roof of the Kashmere Gate bus terminal, The Hindu reported.