Delhi Chokes Under Severe Fog and Pollution, Authorities Impose Harsh Restrictions
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A thick blanket of fog enveloped Delhi on Sunday, plunging the city into a cold and polluted nightmare. The Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 440, categorizing it as 'severe', prompting authorities to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the toughest anti-pollution measures. As the city struggled to breathe, the minimum temperature dropped to 5 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature recorded was 22 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi on January 18, warning of potential disruptions. Visibility plummeted to near zero in several areas, with Safdarjung reporting zero visibility, and Palam recording just 100 meters. The Met Department also reported similar conditions in other parts of north India, including Bareilly, Lucknow, and Kushinagar. The dense fog led airlines like Air India and IndiGo to issue advisories, warning passengers of potential delays and disruptions. The Delhi airport, however, assured that flight operations were normal at 8 am. Under Stage IV, the entry of BS-IV truck traffic into Delhi is restricted, construction and demolition work is prohibited, and schools up to Class 10 must shift to hybrid lessons, while Classes 10 and 12 continue with in-person instruction.
