New Delhi: On Monday, five flights headed to Delhi were redirected to Jaipur and Dehradun due to low visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). Sources indicate that four flights were sent to Jaipur and one to Dehradun.
The smoggy conditions in the Delhi-NCR region have also caused disruptions in railway services, with numerous trains delayed in their arrivals. As of 6 AM, trains such as the Purushottam Express, Shramjeevi Express, Jammu Mail, Punjab Express, INDP NDLS Express, UP Sampark Kranti Express, Sainik Express, Jammu Rajdhani Express, and Hirakund Express were reported to be running behind schedule.
The dense fog in the capital is linked to adverse weather and high levels of air pollution, with the air quality deteriorating to ‘severe plus’ levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 487 in Delhi at 11 AM. Specific readings included 50 in Dwarka Sector 8, 495 in Ashok Vihar and Mundka, 494 in Patparganj, and 492 in Anand Vihar, among others.
In response to the alarming AQI, which reached 441 by 4 PM on Sunday and escalated to 457 by 7 PM, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi NCR. This plan includes an 8-point strategy to address the pollution crisis, such as banning trucks from entering Delhi unless they are carrying essential goods or services. Only LNG/CNG/electric and BS-VI diesel trucks will be allowed, and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi will face entry restrictions unless they meet certain emissions standards. Additionally, the ban on construction and demolition activities has been expanded to include public infrastructure projects like highways and power transmission lines.