Delhi-NCR chokes under double whammy of fog and pollution, AQI soars to 466

New Delhi (Ths Uttam Hindu): Air pollution and dense fog have once again exacerbated residents' difficulties in New Delhi. A thick layer of smog and fog has enveloped the capital and many areas of the NCR since Sunday morning, severely reducing visibility. The situation is affecting road, rail, and air traffic.

Delhi-NCR faces double whammy of fog and pollution, impact visible from airport to roads, AQI reaches 466: Visuals from several areas including Barapullah flyover, Nizamuddin, ITO, Moti Bagh and DND flyway clearly showed that the entire city was wrapped in a blanket of smoke and fog. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality index in Moti Bagh area was recorded at 466, which falls in the severe category. At the same time, AQI 443 was recorded in the ITO area, which is also placed in the severe category. After the situation worsened, strict restrictions under GRAP have been reimposed in Delhi-NCR.

Dense fog enveloped Delhi and several parts of northern India. Extremely low visibility on Sunday morning directly impacted air services, forcing airlines and airport authorities to issue travel advisories for passengers.

Flight schedules are expected to be rescheduled due to the dense fog. Air India has stated that low visibility may impact flights across its network. According to the airline, ground staff will provide all possible assistance to passengers in case of delays, rerouting, or flight cancellations.

Under Air India's FogCare initiative, passengers whose flights may be affected by fog will be notified in advance. Such passengers can change their flight dates or times at no additional cost, or cancel their tickets and receive a full refund.

The airline has appealed to passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and to allow extra time to travel. Air India clarified that the safety of passengers and crew is its top priority. The Delhi Airport Authority has also advised passengers to allow more time than usual for check-in and security checks. Security arrangements have already been tightened due to Republic Day preparations. According to the India Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Delhi on Saturday was recorded at 4.4 degrees Celsius, which is 3.2 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.6 degrees Celsius and the humidity level was recorded at 72 percent at 6 pm.

Weather experts predict a gradual increase in temperatures by January 20th, with the possibility of light rain during this time. However, the cold is expected to increase again between January 23rd and 26th.

Earlier on Saturday evening, Delhi's air quality suddenly deteriorated further. While the AQI was in the "very poor" category at 354 in the morning, it rose to 416 at 6 pm and 428 at 8 pm. Following this, the administration implemented stricter Stage 4 measures under GRAP. According to officials, a western disturbance, weak winds, and poor dispersion of pollutants are the main reasons for the deteriorating air quality.