Heavy Smog Reduces Visibility as Delhi AQI Nears ‘Severe’; Airport Alerts Travelers

Delhi AQI Nears ‘Severe’ as Smog Shrouds City, Airport Issues Advisory.

Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Saturday, with the AQI climbing to 387, approaching the ‘severe’ category after a brief improvement earlier this week. Thick smog and shallow fog reduced visibility, prompting low-visibility procedures at Indira Gandhi International Airport, though all flights operated normally.

Pollution Hotspots

Eighteen areas recorded AQI levels above 400. The worst-hit localities included Wazirpur (443), Jahangirpuri (439), Vivek Vihar (437), Rohini and Anand Vihar (434 each), Ashok Vihar (431), Sonia Vihar and DTU (427 each). Other severely affected areas included Narela, Bawana, Nehru Nagar, Patparganj, ITO, Punjabi Bagh, Mundka, Burari, Chandni Chowk, and Delhi University’s North Campus.

NCR Mirrors Crisis

The pollution extended across the NCR, with Ghaziabad and Noida at 422 AQI, Gurugram at 295, and Faridabad at 208. Low visibility, around 500 metres in Delhi, disrupted commuting and raised health concerns, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

Why Pollution Is Rising

Experts said stagnant air, low wind speeds, high moisture, and cooler temperatures trapped pollutants near the ground. Delhi’s winter chill has been milder than usual, with temperatures staying above normal for early December.

Authorities Respond

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has set up an expert committee to curb vehicular pollution, a major contributor to PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and take precautions as hazardous air quality persists.