A thick, hazardous blanket of smog and fog descended upon the national capital on Saturday, severely reducing visibility and pushing air pollution into the 'Severe' category. The alarming situation has prompted multiple government agencies to issue critical weather alerts and travel advisories, urging extreme caution from residents and travelers alike.
IMD Alerts and Flight Operations Disrupted
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert for Delhi, specifically warning of dense to very dense fog during the early morning hours. This indicates that residents need to be prepared for significant disruptions. Furthermore, a yellow alert forecasting moderate to dense fog conditions remains active for Sunday and Monday, suggesting no immediate respite.
The Aviation Ministry has stepped in with specific guidelines for airlines to operate under these challenging low-visibility conditions. In line with this, Delhi Airport authorities confirmed that low-visibility procedures are currently in progress. While they stated all flight operations are currently normal, they strongly advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates. Major carriers like Air India and IndiGo have also proactively alerted passengers about possible delays and disruptions due to the persistent fog.
Air Quality Plummets to Hazardous Levels
Parallel to the visibility crisis, the city's air quality has deteriorated dangerously. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi was recorded at a staggering 633 in the early morning, deep into the 'Severe' plus category. Specific locations reported critically polluted air, with readings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) painting a grim picture:
- Sarai Kale Khan: AQI 428 (Severe)
- Barapullah flyover: AQI 380 (Very Poor)
- Akshardham: AQI 420 (Severe)
- Rao Tularam Marg: AQI 403 (Severe)
For context, an AQI between 401 and 500 is classified as 'Severe,' which affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases.
Emergency Measures and Public Health Advisory
In response to the escalating pollution emergency, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated all stipulated measures under GRAP Stage-IV across the entire Delhi-NCR region. This is the highest level of the Graded Response Action Plan, involving stringent anti-pollution steps aimed at controlling emissions and safeguarding public health.
Authorities have reiterated urgent advisories for the public. Residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions, are advised to strictly limit outdoor activities. If going outside is unavoidable, wearing N95 or equivalent protective masks is essential. Everyone is urged to stay updated on local weather alerts and airline schedules to navigate the disruptions caused by this intense smog and fog episode.
