Dense Smog Chokes Delhi Again, Air Quality Slips to ‘Severe’ as Flights and Trains Disrupted

New Delhi | Yugcharan News

Delhi woke up to yet another morning wrapped in thick, toxic smog as air quality across the national capital plunged into the ‘severe’ category, triggering widespread disruptions in air and rail traffic and raising fresh health concerns for residents. Reduced visibility, combined with dangerously high pollution levels, brought daily life to a near standstill in several parts of the city.

According to data from air quality monitoring agencies, more than half of Delhi’s monitoring stations recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘severe’ range during the early morning hours. Overall AQI levels hovered around the 400-mark, far above the threshold considered safe for human health. Areas such as Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur and Dwarka emerged as pollution hotspots, with particulate matter (PM2.5) identified as the primary pollutant.

Visibility Drops, Transport Services Affected

Dense smog severely reduced visibility across the city, forcing authorities to activate fog protocols at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Flight operations were conducted under low-visibility procedures, leading to large-scale delays and cancellations. By mid-morning, over 120 flights had been cancelled, while several others were delayed as pilots waited for safer landing and take-off conditions.

Rail services were also hit hard. More than 100 trains were reported running behind schedule, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers. Commuters travelling during early morning hours faced hazardous road conditions, with headlights being the only source of visibility on several arterial roads, including stretches near Kartavya Path and central Delhi.

Airport officials issued advisories urging passengers to stay updated with airline notifications and to plan their journeys carefully. Airlines also released helpline numbers and alerts, cautioning travellers about possible last-minute changes due to fluctuating weather conditions.

Weather Conditions Worsen the Crisis

Meteorological experts attributed the worsening air quality to a combination of stagnant wind patterns, low temperatures and dense fog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red alert’ for very dense fog during early morning hours, warning of near-zero visibility in some areas.

High humidity levels and calm winds prevented the dispersion of pollutants, allowing smog to linger over the city. Weather officials indicated that similar conditions could persist over the next few days, prolonging the pollution episode unless there is a significant change in wind direction or intensity.

Residents were advised to avoid outdoor activities, use masks while stepping out, and keep windows closed, especially during morning and late evening hours.

Health Risks Mount as Pollution Persists

Medical experts warned that prolonged exposure to ‘severe’ air quality can have serious health implications, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. Symptoms such as breathlessness, eye irritation, coughing and chest discomfort were reported by many residents.

Hospitals across the city have seen a rise in patients complaining of pollution-related ailments, prompting doctors to advise citizens to limit physical exertion outdoors. Health authorities reiterated that sustained exposure to high PM2.5 levels can lead to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Iconic Landmarks Vanish Behind Smog

The pollution crisis was not limited to Delhi alone. Visuals from nearby regions showed iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, partially disappearing behind thick layers of smog. Similar hazy conditions were reported in parts of northern and central India, indicating the regional spread of polluted air and fog.

Environmental experts pointed out that crop residue burning in neighbouring states, vehicular emissions, industrial activity and construction dust continue to contribute significantly to Delhi’s pollution burden, especially during winter months.

Authorities Under Pressure

As public frustration grows, pressure is mounting on authorities to implement stronger pollution-control measures. Environmental groups have once again called for stricter enforcement of emission norms, better public transport management and regional coordination to address stubble burning.

While emergency measures such as traffic restrictions and advisories remain in place, experts caution that short-term actions alone will not solve Delhi’s recurring winter smog problem.

Outlook Remains Grim

With weather conditions expected to remain unfavourable, air quality in the capital is likely to stay in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category in the coming days. For Delhi’s residents, the return of dense smog serves as another stark reminder of the city’s ongoing battle with air pollution — a crisis that demands urgent and sustained solutions.

— Yugcharan News