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New Delhi/Chandigarh : The national capital and large parts of North India woke up to a thick blanket of toxic smog on Saturday morning, severely reducing visibility and triggering health concerns across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
In Delhi, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 384 at around 8 am, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several pockets of the capital slipped into the ‘severe’ zone, highlighting the scale of the pollution crisis gripping the region.
Alarmingly high pollution levels were recorded at Sarai Kale Khan (AQI 428), Akshardham (420), Rao Tularam Marg (403) and the Barapullah flyover area (380). Other major hotspots included Anand Vihar (428), Ashok Vihar (407) and the ITO area (429), all registering ‘severe’ air quality.
The pollution episode was not confined to Delhi alone. Cities and towns across Punjab and Haryana reported dense smog and deteriorating air quality, while parts of Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh experienced hazy conditions and reduced visibility. In hill states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, cold weather combined with stagnant air led to foggy mornings, raising concerns over a spillover impact on air quality and transport.
In response to the worsening situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked all measures under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction activities, curbs on the entry of certain diesel vehicles, intensified checks on polluting sources, and enhanced enforcement on road dust and industrial emissions.
Meanwhile, Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a passenger advisory on Saturday amid dense fog and low visibility conditions. The airport confirmed that ‘Low Visibility Procedures’ remained in force, though flight operations were continuing.
“Low Visibility Procedures are still in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are functioning normally. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates,” the airport said in its 7 am statement.
Flight operations had already been affected on Friday due to cold weather and dense fog, with delays reported despite gradual improvement in visibility. Authorities cautioned that arrivals and departures would continue, though passengers may face intermittent delays as the smog and fog persist across North India.
