- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: A thick fog has descended upon parts of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) today, leading to visibility dropping to zero and disrupting flight and train services.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for moderate to very dense fog across several northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
At approximately 6 a.m., Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 408, categorizing it as ‘severe’ from the previous ‘very poor’ classification, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) reported around 6 a.m. that many flight departures were affected by the dense fog, with average delays reaching 41 minutes, as noted by aviation website FlightRadar24. However, they assured travelers that CAT III-compliant flights are still able to operate.
In recent weeks, travel disruptions have become commonplace in North India due to the persistent thick fog, resulting in numerous flight and train cancellations.
For reference, the AQI classifications are as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe).
The IMD recorded Delhi’s minimum temperature at 9.6 degrees Celsius, predicting a range of 6 to 20 degrees Celsius for the day.
Following a spike in air pollution due to unfavorable weather, the Centre’s panel on Delhi-NCR air quality reinstated Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) aimed at curbing pollution levels.
The AQI showed an upward trend, recording a 24-hour average of 357 at 4 p.m. on Thursday, an increase from 297 the previous day.
The Commission for Air Quality Management directed immediate enforcement of Stage 3 measures, which include a ban on non-essential construction and a shift to hybrid classes for students up to grade 5. Students and parents may choose online education when available.
Stage 3 measures also restrict BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles (four-wheelers) in Delhi and nearby NCR areas, with exemptions for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV standards or older are banned within the national capital.
During winter months, Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP restrictions categorized into four stages: Stage I (Poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (Very Poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (Severe, AQI 401-450), and Stage IV (Severe Plus, AQI above 450).
