Delhi’s air has plunged to hazardous levels with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reading surpassing 700 in a few areas and staying above 450 in several parts of the national capital, forcing authorities to tighten restrictions on movement of vehicles and airlines warning of flight delays as visibility dropped at the airport.
The toxic smog, a lethal mix of smoke, fog and dust, pushed the AQI in "severe plus" category, prompting authorities to tighten emergency measures the under revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR.
India's largest airline IndiGo issued a travel advisory, warning passengers of potential delays due to low visibility caused by dense fog. The airline urged flyers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
SpiceJet, too, issued a similar alert early in the morning.
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has been operating under low-visibility procedures, though flights were on schedule until late November 17. The airport handles around 1,400 daily flights a day and any delays or rescheduling can have a cascading effect on airline schedules.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), as the AQI in areas like Jahangirpuri climbed to 762. With air quality reaching such alarming levels, the CAQM has implemented measures to curb pollution, including restrictions on non-essential truck traffic and a ban on construction activities.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said with the implementation of GRAP-4, physical classes were being suspended for all students except those in classes 10 and 12. In her post on X (formerly Twitter), she said all schools would move classes online until further notice.
ALSO READ: Low visibility procedures in place at Delhi airport
Thick smog and low visibility
The cold temperatures, calm winds and high pollution are trapping dust, emissions, and smoke from illegal farm fires in the atmosphere, creating hazardous smog conditions. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted poor air quality and low wind speeds through the week, with the city’s minimum temperature expected to drop to 14°C (57.2°F) on Novemner 18.
Emergency Measures and Restrictions
As part of the GRAP-IV response, non-essential truck traffic has been restricted, with only electric, LNG, CNG, and BS-VI diesel trucks allowed entry. The city has also imposed a ban on construction and demolition activities, including major infrastructure projects like roads, highways, and flyovers, to reduce dust and particulate pollution.
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