Dense fog enveloped Delhi-NCR on Friday morning, bringing visibility to a standstill and causing major disruptions in air and rail travel. With an AQI (Air Quality Index) in the severe category, the city battles both pollution and extreme weather conditions.
Key Highlights:
- Travel Disruptions:
- Flights:
Over 150 flights delayed, averaging a 41-minute delay due to reduced visibility. CAT III-compliant flights managed to operate.- Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) handles about 1,300 daily operations, with weather impacting most.
- Airlines, including IndiGo, advised passengers to confirm flight status before heading to the airport.
- Trains:
Around 26 trains experienced delays due to low visibility, with zero visibility reported in Palam since 4:30 IST.
- Flights:
- Weather Report:
- Dense Fog: Visibility reduced to 50 meters at Safdarjung and zero at Palam.
- Temperature: Minimum temperature recorded at 9.6°C, with a predicted range between 6°C and 20°C.
- Air Pollution Woes:
- AQI:
- Climbed to 408 at 6 a.m., marking ‘severe’ air quality levels.
- Average AQI on Thursday reached 357, spurring authorities to enforce Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
- AQI:
GRAP Stage 3 Measures:
To curb the pollution crisis, the following restrictions are in place:
- Ban on non-essential construction and demolition work.
- Limited movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
- Mandatory hybrid learning for students up to Grade 5, with online options.
- Restrictions on non-essential goods vehicles not adhering to emissions standards.
Impact on Daily Life:
The ongoing extreme weather and pollution challenges have paralyzed essential services in Delhi-NCR. Commuters and travelers face delays, and schools must pivot to online modes due to hazardous air quality.
As winter tightens its grip, Delhi’s struggles with dense fog and rising pollution underscore the urgent need for sustainable environmental solutions.
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