By New Delhi: A thick blanket of smog engulfed large parts of Delhi-NCR on Sunday, pushing air pollution levels into the very poor and severe categories at multiple locations, according to real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) touched alarming levels across the capital. India Gate and Kartavya Path recorded an AQI of 381, while Anand Vihar and Ghazipur saw readings as high as 438, falling in the severe category. At ITO, the AQI stood at 405 on Sunday morning.
As per AQI classification, readings between 301–400 are considered very poor, while 401–500 are classified as severe, posing serious health risks.
Dense grey smog significantly reduced visibility across key areas including India Gate, ITO, Ghazipur, and Kartavya Path. The haze disrupted road traffic and affected flight and train operations due to poor visibility.
Flights and Trains Disrupted
Multiple flights and train services were delayed or cancelled as dense fog and smog conditions persisted. On Saturday alone, more than 500 flights were delayed and 138 cancelled at Delhi airport. Low-visibility procedures were activated during the early morning hours as conditions worsened.
Pollution Curbs Intensified
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, the strictest set of measures, reserved for severe air pollution episodes. These include restrictions on vehicle movement, construction activity, and industrial operations.
IMD Issues Orange Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for parts of Delhi, warning of dense to very dense fog and cold-day conditions. Visibility is expected to remain extremely low during early morning hours, while maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 16°C and 18°C.
According to IMD standards:
- Visibility below 50 metres is classified as very dense fog
- 50–200 metres as dense fog
- 200–500 metres as moderate fog
Minimum temperatures dipped to 6.1°C, around two degrees below normal, with night-time temperatures expected to remain between 7°C and 9°C.
Cold Day Conditions Recorded
Delhi recorded its first “cold day” of the season, with Safdarjung logging a maximum temperature of 16.9°C and Palam recording 16.3°C—both significantly below normal levels. Visibility at Safdarjung dropped to 200 metres for nearly 10 hours before marginal improvement.
Airline Advisory
IndiGo issued an advisory warning passengers of potential flight delays due to sudden drops in visibility caused by early-morning fog. The airline advised travellers to check flight status before leaving for the airport and offered options for rescheduling or refunds.
Region-Wide Impact
Dense fog across northern India has caused widespread aviation disruptions throughout the week. Officials reported over 800 flight delays and 200 cancellations on December 17 alone, with continued disruptions in the days that followed.
Experts warn that winter conditions combined with stagnant air and emissions could result in prolonged episodes of toxic smog and dense fog across the region. Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution, especially during late-night and early-morning travel.
