Delhi is struggling with the alarming levels of air quality as a layer of smog chokes the capital city. The Air Quality Index for Delhi on Tuesday, December 23, remained hazardous with a score of 408 in the early hours. The Air Quality Index (AQI) classifies the levels based on ‘good,’ ‘sensitive,’ ‘very poor,’ ‘poor,’ ‘very poor,’ ‘severe,’ ‘severe,’ ‘sativic,’ and ‘hazardous.’
Some other areas of Delhi also registered even worse air quality. Dwarka, for example, had an air quality index of 435 at around 5:30 am, and other regions of the city also fell into the ‘severe’ category. A cold start and a thick fog enveloped the residents of the Delhi-NCR region, with the minimum temperature ranging around 11 degrees Celsius.
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Operations of aircraft affected by smog and fog
Flights have been severely affected due to the impact of toxic smog and fog. This has exactly affected the operations undertaken by the Indira Gandhi International Airport, as it has had to cancel 100 flights on Monday, December 22.
As per a report by Delhi Now, reportedly, around 110 flights had been cancelled and more than 200 flights had been delayed because of low visibility conditions. This problem of low visibility is expected to continue in the coming days as well.
Delhi Airport issued a travel advisory on X, writing, "Flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which may result in delays and cancellations."
IndiGo posted on X, writing, "The fog continues to linger over #Ranchi, #Patna, #Hindon, #Jammu & #Varanasi, resulting in slower flight movements. Departures and arrivals to and from these cities, as well as certain routes across our network, may experience short delays as we work through the weather conditions."
Flyers have been asked to check their flight status before they leave for the airport.
Increase in health concerns in Delhi NCR region
The air pollution crisis has led to major health issues in Delhi NCR. The effect of unhealthy air has led to an increase in cases of breathing issues in children and older adults.
On Monday, at least seven major areas of pollution recorded an AQI of over 400, which is an indicator of the dangerous state of pollution.
Delhi area-wise AQI today
ITO: 428
Jahangirpuri: 439
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: 410
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Mundka: 440
NSIT Dwarka: 419
Narela: 415
Nehru Nagar: 444
North Campus, Delhi University: 404
As a result of the cold wave gripping North India, Delhi is experiencing plummeting temperatures as well as foggy mornings. The conditions are only adding to the air pollution levels, making it difficult for commuters as well as transport services in the capital.
