New Delhi, January 10, 2025: Dense fog blanketed the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Friday morning, bringing normal life to a halt as visibility dropped to near zero. The severe weather conditions led to significant disruptions in both flight and train operations, with delays and cancellations reported across the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for dense fog across several parts of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Delhi, in particular, faced significant challenges, with the capital’s air quality index (AQI) plummeting to 408 around 6 a.m., placing it in the ‘severe’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This was a sharp decline from the ‘very poor’ category earlier in the morning.
According to the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), dense fog impacted flight departures from the capital’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. An update issued by DIAL at 6 a.m. confirmed that flight departures were “impacted,” with delays averaging 41 minutes, according to aviation website Flightradar24. However, the airport authority reassured passengers that CAT III-compliant flights, which are equipped for low-visibility conditions, were still able to land and depart.
For weeks, North India has faced severe fog, which has contributed to widespread delays and cancellations in both flight and train services, disrupting travel plans for thousands of commuters and travelers.
Delhi’s air quality worsened further as the dense fog combined with high pollution levels. An AQI between 401 and 500 is classified as ‘severe,’ posing serious health risks to the public. The AQI had risen to 357 by 4 p.m. on Thursday, up from 297 the previous day. In response, the Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had re-implemented Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective Thursday evening. These measures were put in place to prevent the worsening of air quality conditions.
Stage 3 restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction activities and a move to hybrid learning for classes up to grade 5. Students and parents were given the option to opt for online education where available. Additionally, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are restricted in Delhi and nearby NCR districts, except for persons with disabilities. The restrictions also extend to non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles.
The IMD predicted that temperatures in Delhi would range between 6°C and 20°C on Friday, with the minimum temperature recorded at 9.6°C early in the morning. The dense fog is expected to persist, further exacerbating the air pollution in the coming days.
As the region grapples with both the weather and pollution, authorities have urged residents to take precautions, including wearing masks, avoiding outdoor activities, and following the advisories issued by health experts. With the continued rise in pollution levels, Delhi’s residents are bracing for more disruptions in the days ahead.
The weather and pollution conditions have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address air quality issues, especially during the winter months, when fog and pollutants often combine to create hazardous conditions.