Severe Cold Grips Delhi-NCR; Dense Fog Disrupts Traffic, AQI Hits 633

New Delhi: Delhi-NCR is experiencing a severe cold wave as dense fog disrupted daily life on Saturday. Low visibility affected road, rail, and air traffic, prompting authorities to issue alerts and advisories for commuters.

Dense Fog and Cold Wave
From early Saturday morning, dense fog blanketed the region, forcing residents to stay indoors. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings for thick to very dense fog and declared an Orange Alert. Visibility on roads and railways was significantly reduced, while air traffic faced delays. The forecast indicates that fog may persist on Sunday and Monday, leading the IMD to issue a Yellow Alert for continued caution.

Impact on Air Travel
Delhi Airport issued an advisory, warning passengers about low visibility affecting flight operations. Airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, informed travelers about potential delays and advised checking flight status before departure. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also issued operational guidelines for flights during reduced visibility.

Air Quality Reaches Dangerous Levels
Alongside the cold and fog, air pollution in Delhi-NCR reached hazardous levels. As of 7:22 AM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 633. Areas such as Sarai Kale Khan, Barapulla Flyover, Akshardham, and RT Nagar reported extremely poor air quality.

Area-wise AQI Readings
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

• Sarai Kale Khan: 428
• Barapulla Flyover: 380
• Akshardham: 420
• RT Nagar: 403

These levels fall under the ‘Severe’ or ‘Very Poor’ category. To curb pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage-IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Authorities have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, wear masks when venturing outside, and monitor airline schedules and local weather updates closely.

Takeaway: Residents are urged to exercise caution during travel and stay updated on air quality and weather alerts as Delhi-NCR faces continued challenges from extreme cold, dense fog, and hazardous pollution.