Dense Fog Brings Delhi-NCR to a Standstill; Cold Wave Shows No Signs of Easing

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) continued to reel under intense cold as dense fog severely reduced visibility on Saturday, affecting road, rail, and air travel. The biting winter shows no signs of letting up, as residents face the combined impact of thick fog and rising pollution levels.

Fog Creates Hazardous Travel Conditions
On Saturday morning, much of Delhi and surrounding areas were shrouded in thick fog, bringing visibility down to near-zero levels in several localities. Commuters struggled on roads, while trains and flights experienced significant delays due to low visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported dense fog across several parts of the capital during early hours, disrupting normal travel.

Double Whammy: Cold and Pollution
Along with freezing temperatures, air pollution has added to the woes of NCR residents. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), and the IMD indicate that air quality in several areas has reached the “Severe” category.

In Delhi, AQI levels hit alarming highs: Anand Vihar – 450, Chandni Chowk – 435, Patel Nagar – 440, Nehru Nagar – 425, Punjabi Bagh – 399, North Campus (DU) – 400, Rohini – 396, RK Puram – 379, Bawana – 368, Okhla Phase-2 – 367, Alipur – 352, Ashok Vihar – 391, Aya Nagar – 322, DTU – 353, CRRI Mathura Road – 308.

Noida also recorded critically high AQI: Sector-125 – 381, Sector-62 – 361, Sector-1 – 418, Sector-116 – 375. Meanwhile, in Ghaziabad: Indirapuram – 360, Loni – 412, Sanjay Nagar – 307, Vasundhara – 437. Many locations saw AQI cross 400, making the air extremely hazardous.

Authorities Reinstate Pollution Control Measures
Due to deteriorating air quality, authorities have reimposed strict measures under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3. Construction activities have been halted, diesel vehicles restricted, and industrial units are under close monitoring. Violations of these rules will attract stringent action.

The IMD has forecasted that fog will continue during the mornings in the coming days, though its intensity is expected to ease slightly on 18 and 19 January. For now, residents of Delhi-NCR continue to grapple with a harsh cold wave, thick fog, and toxic air quality.