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Delhi Chokes Under Severe Smog; AQI Hits 418, Flights Disrupted

A dense blanket of smog severely reduced visibility and worsened air quality across Delhi-NCR, with the overall AQI recorded at 418 in the 'severe' category. Multiple areas, including Anand Vihar and Punjabi Bagh, reported AQI levels above 450, indicating extreme health risks. The poor conditions disrupted road traffic and led to flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management has reinvoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan across the entire National Capital Region.

Key Points: Delhi AQI Severe at 418, GRAP Stage-IV Invoked Amid Dense Smog

  • Overall Delhi AQI at 418 in severe category
  • Anand Vihar records peak AQI of 472
  • Near-zero visibility disrupts flights and traffic
  • CAQM reinvokes GRAP Stage-IV measures
  • Mumbai also wakes up to dense fog
3 min read

Dense smog engulfs Delhi; AQI slips to 'severe' category at 418

Delhi's AQI hits 418 in severe category, with near-zero visibility disrupting flights and traffic. GRAP Stage-IV measures reinvoked across NCR.

"prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region - CAQM order"

New Delhi, January 19

A thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the national capital on Monday morning, sharply reducing visibility and worsening air quality across Delhi-NCR, with the overall Air Quality Index recorded at 418, falling in the 'severe' category.

According to the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ITO area was recorded at 434, placing it in the "severe" category. Similar conditions prevailed near Rafi Marg, where the AQI stood at 417, while areas around the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Pandav Nagar reported an AQI of 455.

Several other locations across the capital also witnessed alarmingly high pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 462, Ashok Vihar 473, Bawana 448, Burari 460, Chandni Chowk 454, Dwarka Sector-8 427, Mundka 467, Narela 437, Punjabi Bagh 434, RK Puram 439, Rohini 437 and Wazirpur 472. All these areas remained in the 'severe' category, indicating extremely poor air quality and heightened health risks.

The IT stretch witnessed near-zero visibility during the morning hours, leading to slow-moving traffic and disruptions in normal vehicular movement.

Cold wave conditions, coupled with dense fog, also impacted air travel operations, with several flights delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport due to poor visibility.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius on Monday, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 25 degrees Celsius later in the day.

Meanwhile, in response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday reinvoked Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

"Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP - 'Severe+' Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II & III of the extant GRAP already in force in NCR," the order from the CAQM read.

The order further added, "NCR Pollution Control Boards and other agencies concerned have been asked to escalate the preventive measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region." With severe pollution, cold wave and dense fog persisting, authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, follow health advisories, and take precautions against the hazardous air quality.

India's financial capital, Mumbai, also woke up to dense fog on Monday morning, with temperatures hovering between 17 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The visibility near ITO was practically zero this morning. Commute was a nightmare. 😷 It's not just Delhi, look at the numbers for NCR towns. When will the authorities seriously tackle stubble burning in neighbouring states? This is a regional crisis needing a united political will.
D
David E
Working from home again because of the air. It's affecting productivity and health. While the CAQM order is a step, implementation is key. Are construction sites actually stopping? Are trucks being turned back? Without strict on-ground enforcement, these plans remain on paper.
A
Ananya R
My grandmother's asthma has worsened so much. The doctor said to keep her indoors. It's heartbreaking that our elders and children are the most vulnerable. We all share the blame - vehicle emissions, waste burning, Diwali crackers... time for some serious jan-bhaagidaari (public participation) too.
K
Karthik V
AQI 473 in Ashok Vihar! That's literally off the charts. The article mentions Mumbai also has fog, but that's mostly meteorological. Delhi's is toxic smog. Hope the new push for electric vehicles and public transport bears fruit soon. In the meantime, masks are the new normal, sadly.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, while the situation is dire, I feel the coverage often misses the positive steps. The GRAP system itself is a structured response. More green initiatives are underway. Change takes time. Let's also highlight and support the solutions being worked on, not just the problem.

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