Delhi suffocated under heavy smog on Wednesday morning, with fog enveloping most of the capital, severely reducing visibility. Footage from areas including Anand Vihar and ITO showed a thick layer of toxic haze covering roads, buildings and major thoroughfares.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the air quality index in Anand Vihar was recorded at 341, while levels near the ITO area reached 360, putting both the places in the “very poor” category.
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Although pollution levels improved slightly on Tuesday due to stronger winds and reduced fog, air quality remained hazardous, especially for children, older adults and individuals with respiratory problems.
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Of the 39 active air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, only Mundka was in the “severe” category with an AQI of 407, while 35 stations recorded “very poor” air and three “poor” air.
In response to persistent pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented all measures under Phase IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region. These emergency steps are triggered when air quality reaches critical levels and include strict restrictions on construction work, industrial activity and the movement of certain vehicles.
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However, the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi warned that the relief may be short-lived. Air quality is likely to remain in the “very poor” category until Friday, while it may fluctuate between “very poor” and “severe” from December 19.
Health experts have warned that even short-term exposure to such levels of pollution can have serious consequences, especially for children.
IndiGo issues travel advisory
IndiGo on Tuesday evening issued a travel advisory for a foggy Wednesday morning, with reduced visibility and slower flight movements as hazy winter skies blanketed northern and eastern India.
In a post shared on X, IndiGo said, “As morning approaches under hazy winter skies, fog is forecast over parts of northern and eastern India, which may lead to reduced visibility and slower pace of flight movements during the early morning hours. In the interest of safety, some flights may experience delays or adjustments.”
The airline is taking proactive measures to ensure safety, with some flights likely to be delayed or modified. “Our teams across the airport are fully prepared and working closely together to smoothly manage schedules, assist customers and maintain a stable flow of operations.”
Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey to the airport and check the latest flight status on the IndiGo website or app. Airline teams work tirelessly to manage flight schedules, assist customers and keep operations running smoothly.
“The fog may also affect road traffic, with slower movement and longer travel times expected when commuting to the airport. Customers traveling earlier are advised to plan for additional buffer time and check the latest flight status on our website or app before leaving home,” the IndiGo post added.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 to 100 as “satisfactory”, 101 to 200 as “moderate”, 201 to 300 as “poor”, 301 to 400 as “very poor” and 401 to 5.
“Great Danger to Infants”
Health experts have warned that even short-term exposure to such levels of pollution can have serious consequences, especially for children.
Dr Medha, a pediatrician at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, said rising air pollution poses a serious threat to infants whose lungs and immune systems are still developing.
“Infants breathe faster and inhale more air relative to their body weight than adults, leading to higher exposure to pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream,” she said.
Medha added that frequent exposure to polluted air is increasingly associated with recurrent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and conditions such as bronchiolitis in infants.
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“Continuous exposure also weakens their immune defenses, making them more susceptible to colds, pneumonia and other respiratory infections,” she said.
Dense fog, combined with poor air quality, severely reduced visibility in the early hours of the morning, disrupting air traffic and prompting airlines and airport authorities to issue repeated warnings urging travelers to remain alert and plan their journeys accordingly.
(With input from agencies)
