Dense fog blanketed many parts of the national capital on Monday morning, severely reducing visibility and worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR. The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 418, which falls in the ‘severe’ category.
According to 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. The situation was similar near Rafi Marg, where the AQI was 417, while the areas around Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Pandav Nagar recorded an AQI of 455.
Pollution levels remained worryingly high at many other places in the capital as well. AQI was 462 in Anand Vihar, 473 in Ashok Vihar, 448 in Bawana, 460 in Burari, 454 in Chandni Chowk, 427 in Dwarka Sector-8, 467 in Mundka, 437 in Narela, 434 in Punjabi Bagh, 439 in RK Puram, 437 in Rohini and 472 in Wazirpur. Was done.
All these areas remained in the ‘severe’ category, indicating very poor air quality and serious health risks.
Visibility on the IT route was almost zero in the morning, due to which traffic remained slow and normal vehicular movement was disrupted.
Cold wave conditions and dense fog also affected air travel operations, with several flights delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport due to poor visibility.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Delhi on Monday was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is likely to reach around 25 degrees Celsius during the day.
Meanwhile, in response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday reimposed Phase-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The CAQM order read, “Considering the prevailing air quality situation and associated factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of the air quality situation in the region, the Sub-Committee on GRAP of the CAQM has unanimously decided to implement all actions envisaged under Phase-IV – ‘Severe Air Quality (Delhi AQI > 450)’ of the existing GRAP with immediate effect in Central Delhi State (NCR). This is in addition to the actions already taken under Phase-I, II and III of the Central Delhi State.”
The order further said, “NCR Pollution Control Board and other concerned agencies have been asked to intensify preventive measures to prevent further deterioration of the air quality situation in the region.”
As severe pollution, cold waves and dense fog persist, officials have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, follow health advisories and take precautions to avoid hazardous air quality.
India’s financial capital Mumbai also witnessed dense fog on Monday morning, where the temperature ranged between 17 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius.