Toxic smog hits Delhi: AQI soars to 422, flights canceled due to low visibility

Delhi’s air quality reached “severe” levels on Wednesday morning, with the AQI at 422. This dense smog has affected daily life, choking residents and reducing visibility. The situation led to the cancellation of 6 flights and the delay of 119 others at Indira Gandhi International Airport, according to Flightradar. The toxic air also prompted authorities to shut physical classes in schools and halt construction work across the city.

Despite the drop from Tuesday’s AQI of 494, pollution remains at critical levels. The minimum temperature in Delhi fell to 12.2°C, the season’s lowest, as cold northwesterly winds persisted. Additionally, toxic foam was found in the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj, underscoring the ongoing pollution crisis.

Monitoring stations across Delhi recorded AQI levels above 450, including in areas like Rohini, Anand Vihar, and Narela. As a result, Delhi-NCR has been placed under Stage 4 pollution curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Measures include a ban on truck entries, except for those carrying essentials or using cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, or electricity. Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also restricted unless they meet these fuel standards. Public construction projects have also been halted.

To tackle the crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has urged the Centre to approve artificial rain to clear the smog. He called the pollution a medical emergency and emphasized the need for urgent action. Rai wrote to the Centre, requesting a meeting with experts from IIT Kanpur and relevant government agencies to discuss solutions.

“PM Modi should intervene; it is his moral responsibility,” Rai stated, pushing for the Centre to take stronger steps to combat pollution.

The city’s residents are grappling with hazardous air quality, and the government is pushing for immediate measures to address the escalating environmental crisis.