Delhi awoke to hazardous air, as dense smog and fog blanketed the city, driving the AQI to 402 in the ‘severe’ category. Visibility plummeted, grounding flights and delaying trains while health risks spiked. Authorities urge minimal outdoor time amid this annual winter scourge.
The overall AQI hit 402 at 7 a.m., with 25 of 40 stations reporting ‘severe’ levels over 400. Vivek Vihar topped at 458, followed by Anand Vihar (459), Wazirpur at 444, and Rohini (445). PM2.5 dominated as the key pollutant, trapping toxins in stagnant winter air. Data gaps at Lodhi Road and RK Puram underscored monitoring challenges.
Fog compounded the crisis, slashing visibility late Sunday into Monday. Consequently, commuters faced chaos on roads, with IMD issuing a ‘red alert’ for very dense fog from 5:31 a.m. to 8:31 a.m.
Transport Disruptions Grip Capital
Delhi Airport operated under CAT III conditions, with runway visibility at 100-150 meters and general lows of 125 meters. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India warned of delays, diversions, or cancellations, deploying ground staff for aid. Passengers received rebooking and refund options amid foggy chaos.
Trains including Rajdhani Express, Vande Bharat, and Jan Shatabdi ran late. IMD advised fog lights, cautious driving, face coverings, and avoiding non-essential travel. These measures aim to prevent accidents in near-zero visibility.
Health Risks and Expert Advice
‘Severe’ AQI levels pose immediate threats, irritating lungs and worsening respiratory issues, especially for children, elderly, and those with asthma. Experts recommend staying indoors, using air purifiers, and wearing N95 masks if outside. Hydration and steam inhalation help mitigate effects.
Winter inversions trap emissions from stubble burning, vehicles, and industries, per long-term patterns. Thus, GRAP stages activate construction bans and odd-even schemes when AQI persists.
Why Does Delhi Face Recurrent Smog?
Calm winds, low temperatures, and Diwali aftermath fuel annual spikes. Stubble burning in neighboring states adds PM2.5, while vehicular growth strains infrastructure. How can residents cope? Plant indoors, track apps like Sameer, and advocate cleaner policies.
Q&A: Pollution Alerts
Q: What’s the worst AQI spot?
A: Anand Vihar at 459, with Vivek Vihar close at 458—both ‘severe plus’ zones.
Q: How low was airport visibility?
A: 125 meters generally, 100-150m on runways under CAT III operations.
Q: Which trains got delayed?
A: Rajdhani, Vande Bharat, Jan Shatabdi among major routes.
Q: IMD’s top advice?
A: Use fog lights, drive slow, cover faces, skip unnecessary trips.
Q: Safe outdoor time?
A: None—limit to essentials under ‘severe’ AQI over 400.
FAQ
What causes PM2.5 dominance?
Fine particles from burning, traffic, and industry penetrate deep into lungs.
Will fog lift soon?
IMD predicts persistence; check hourly updates for clearance.
GRAP measures active?
Stage IV likely with bans on polluting activities and school tweaks.
How to check real-time AQI?
Use CPCB’s Sameer app or SAFAR website for station-wise data.
Long-term fixes?
Electric vehicles, green belts, and farm tech to curb stubble fires.
Delhi’s smog underscores urgent pollution battles, blending weather woes with emissions overload. Residents, prioritize health—monitor alerts and push for systemic change. Cleaner air awaits collective action.