Delhi Chokes Under Toxic Smog: 'Severe' Air Quality Warning Issued for Next 4 Days
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Delhi is struggling to breathe as toxic smog grips the city, pushing air quality to severe levels. The air quality index (AQI) soared to 410 on Sunday, breaching the severe threshold. Although there was a marginal improvement to 396 by 6:30 am, the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi warned of persistently hazardous conditions. According to the forecast, Delhi can expect severe air quality from December 20 to 22, with very poor conditions on December 23. The outlook for the next six days remains concerning, with air quality likely to be in the very poor to severe category. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board's Sameer app showed multiple monitoring stations across the capital reporting extremely poor air quality. Areas such as Chandni Chowk, Wazirpur, and Rohini were among the worst-hit, with AQI levels in the severe range. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of dense fog due to plummeting temperatures, issuing orange alerts across large parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. The national capital recorded a maximum temperature of 17 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius, reflecting cold day conditions. Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were disrupted due to poor visibility, with 66 arriving and 63 departing flights cancelled. IndiGo issued a travel advisory, cautioning passengers about possible disruptions due to early-morning fog. Data from Flightradar24 showed widespread delays, with an average delay exceeding 30 minutes. As the situation remains worrying, authorities and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the toxic smog.
