Delhi Hit by Thick Smog as AQI Soars; Flights and Trains Hit
Delhi Hit by Thick Smog as AQI Soars; Flights and Trains Hit
Severe smog blankets Delhi with hazardous AQI levels, orange alerts, and travel disruptions as officials urge caution and pollution controls.
Delhi woke up to a blanket of thick smog as air quality deteriorated rapidly across the city. At 7 am, data from 40 monitoring stations showed 16 readings in the severe category, signaling a health risk to residents. The Indian Meteorological Department issued yellow and orange alerts for dense fog, warning that visibility would be sharply reduced and travel could be disrupted. An orange alert is in effect for the Delhi-NCR region as the air quality index climbed to hazardous levels, with readings around 633 in some areas, prompting authorities to step up pollution-control measures.
The developments have already affected mobility: flights and trains faced delays and cancellations, as operators warned of possible disruptions and travelers were asked to check schedules. The city braced for a day of travel upheaval as authorities implemented precautionary advisories and urged residents to plan accordingly.
Officials emphasized that extreme pollution poses short-term health risks, especially for children and the elderly, and advised reducing outdoor activity and wearing masks when stepping outside. Hospitals and clinics have reported a rise in respiratory complaints linked to the smog, underscoring the need for protective measures during peak pollution hours.
City agencies said they would intensify pollution-control efforts and monitor the situation closely, while weather conditions could keep the smog in place for days. Residents are urged to follow official advisories, keep indoor air as clean as possible, and limit exposure during hazardous-air periods.
