Smog Crisis in Delhi-NCR: Flights, Trains Disrupted
A thick layer of smog covered Delhi-NCR this morning. This toxic mix of smoke and fog caused the air quality index (AQI) to fall to the “severe-plus” category. Authorities have announced stricter pollution control measures.
The smog also reduced visibility, affecting flights and trains. At Palam, visibility dropped to 150 meters at 5 am. IndiGo Airlines and Delhi Airport advised travelers to allow extra time and check flight schedules due to delays caused by fog.
According to SAFAR data, Delhi’s AQI was 481 at 7 am, the worst this season. Officials blamed this on “unfavorable” weather conditions. AQI levels are categorized as:
Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels
| AQI Range | Category |
| 0-50 | Good |
| 51-100 | Satisfactory |
| 101-200 | Moderate |
| 201-300 | Poor |
| 301-400 | Very Poor |
| 401-450 | Severe |
| Above 450 | Severe-Plus |
The Centre’s air quality panel enforced Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from 8 am, in addition to measures under Stages 1, 2, and 3 already in place.
Measures Under Stage 4
| Trucks | Only trucks carrying essential goods or using clean fuels like LNG, CNG, or BSVI diesel are allowed in Delhi. |
| Commercial Vehicles | Nonessential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are banned, except for EVs and clean fuel vehicles. |
| Older Diesel Vehicles | BSIV or older diesel vehicles are banned, except for those used in essential services. |
| Construction | All construction activities, including highways and public projects, are stopped. |
| Schools | Closed for most students, except for those in classes 10 and 12. |
| Offices | Allowed to function at 50% capacity, with others working from home. |
| Government Offices | Central government offices may also introduce workfromhome options. . |
State governments may close colleges, limit nonessential activities, and apply oddeven vehicle rules.
Officials said stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana caused 38% of Delhi’s pollution this year. Every winter, smog worsens in Delhi as cold air traps dust, emissions, and smoke from illegal farm fires.
Also Read | India’s Air Quality Badens Delhi and Chandigarh Among the Worst
