Thick smog has once again enveloped Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR), pushing the region’s air quality to hazardous levels. On Tuesday, the air quality index (AQI) in several parts of the city reached the “severe” category, with pollution levels spiking well above the safe limits. This has resulted in a significant health hazard for residents, with experts warning of respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health complications, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The blanket of smog is being caused by a combination of factors, including low temperatures, minimal wind speeds, and the ongoing stubble burning in nearby states like Punjab and Haryana. The burning of crop residue has released a high volume of particulate matter (PM2.5) into the atmosphere, further exacerbating the already poor air quality in Delhi NCR.
Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport have also been severely affected by the dense smog. Due to bad weather conditions, 10 flights were diverted, including six to Jaipur and one to Lucknow. Almost no visibility was recorded at the Indira Gandhi International Airport at 8.30 am with the Runway Visual Range varying between 125 and 500 metres at different locations, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The capital city, which has been grappling with pollution for years, has seen a recurring cycle of poor air quality during the winter months. Government agencies and environmental organizations have warned that the situation could worsen in the coming days if corrective measures are not taken promptly. The Delhi government has already implemented several measures to combat pollution, including the closure of schools and construction sites, but it remains a constant challenge.
As the thick haze lingers over the city, residents are being advised to stay indoors as much as possible and wear masks if they need to go out. Air purifiers have been recommended for indoor spaces to minimize exposure to harmful pollutants.
