Thick layer of smog blankets Delhi-NCR, disrupts flights; air quality slips into severe category
Meanwhile, a thick grey haze hung over the capital on Tuesday morning while the air quality slipped into the 'severe' category, with the 24-hour average AQI recorded at 413. In some areas, AQI crossed 450.
New Delhi: Delhi and adjoining areas woke up to a thick layer of smog on Tuesday morning. The smog caused low visibility in several areas, disrupting traffic across the city. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, dense fog is likely to persist in isolated areas of the national capital till December 27.
Meanwhile, a thick grey haze hung over the capital on Tuesday morning while the air quality slipped into the 'severe' category, with the 24-hour average AQI recorded at 413. In some areas, AQI crossed 450. Despite the implementation of strict anti-pollution curbs under GRAP 4 in Delhi, toxic air continued to grip the city.
Delhi has been under the grip of persistent smog and toxic air, prompting repeated implementation of emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
AQI crossed 400 mark
The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded above 400 in most parts of the national capital. In some areas, the AQI even crossed 450. Out of the 39 functional monitoring stations, 30 logged readings in the 'severe' category, while 9 recorded 'very poor' air quality.
Among the stations in the severe zone, Anand Vihar emerged as the most polluted, logging an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 463, according to the CPCB's SAMEER app.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe', the according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classification.
Flights disrupted
Meanwhile, dense fog and low visibility led to flight disruptions at Delhi's IGI airport, with more than 200 flights facing delays and 10 cancellations.
In view of the dense fog, the Delhi airport issued an advisory saying that several flights could be delayed or disrupted. "We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise any inconvenience. For the latest flight status, kindly contact your respective airlines," the Delhi airport said.
The airport further said that their ground teams are actively assisting passengers to ensure smooth travel.