Dense smog engulfs Delhi-NCR: Orange alert issued amid poor visibility; flight ops affected
Delhi-NCR is battling a severe smog crisis, with visibility plummeting and air quality entering the 'very poor' category. Dense fog has led to flight disruptions at IGI Airport, operating under CAT III conditions. Authorities have implemented GRAP Stage III curbs, including construction bans and 'No PUC, No Fuel' rules, as cold temperatures exacerbate the pollution.
Screengrab: X/PTI
Delhi-NCR witnessed severely reduced visibility late Sunday night as a dense blanket of smog engulfed the region.Visuals from several parts of the region, including AIIMS flyover and Noida’s Sector 37 showed vehicles struggling through a haze of toxic smog, highlighting the severity of the pollution.
The blow is twofold, as the city grapples with cold winter temperatures alongside rising pollution levels.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for very dense fog on Monday, warning commuters of restricted visibility on major roads. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected around 22°C and 7°C, respectively, with Sunday night’s minimum dipping to 6.3°C, slightly below the seasonal average
The city’s air quality slipped into the “very poor” category, with several areas, including Anand Vihar, recording hazardous AQI levels above 400. Authorities advised residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, to stay indoors.
Under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), officials have imposed curbs on construction and industrial activity, while enforcing the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule to control vehicular emissions.Experts have cautioned that poor air quality will likely continue under the prevailing weather conditions.