Dense fog engulfs Delhi as air quality turns severe; over 100 flights cancelled, airport issues advisory
PTC News Desk: Delhi residents woke up to dense, toxic smog on Saturday morning, with visibility sharply reduced across the city. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 384 around 8 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In several areas, however, air quality deteriorated further to ‘severe’ levels.
Pollution levels remained dangerously high in many parts of the capital. CPCB data showed an AQI of 428 at Sarai Kale Khan, 420 at Akshardham, 403 at Rao Tularam Marg, and 380 near the Barapullah flyover. Other major hotspots included Anand Vihar (428), Ashok Vihar (407), and the ITO area (429), all classified as ‘severe’.
In view of the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented all measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. These measures include a ban on non-essential construction work, restrictions on the entry of certain diesel vehicles, and stricter enforcement to control pollution sources.
Amid the smog and dense fog, Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a passenger advisory on Saturday, stating that Low Visibility Procedures remained in effect, although flight operations were continuing normally. In a statement issued at 7 am, the airport advised travellers to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates.
The advisory noted that while arrivals and departures were ongoing, some delays could occur. Flight operations had been impacted on Friday due to cold weather and dense fog, though visibility was gradually improving.
- With inputs from agencies
