A dense blanket of smog continued to cover Delhi and its adjoining areas on Monday morning as the air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category, reducing visibility and disrupting flight and train operations.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 456 at 6 am, according to the data available on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website – making it the season’s second-worst AQI.
It was 461 on Sunday – the second-worst air quality day on record.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.
Videos showed a thick layer of toxic air at Delhi’s Akshardham, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 493.
More clips show poor visibility in many areas, including the Barapulla flyover – where AQI was recorded 433, and Barakhamba Road – where AQI was 474.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for dense smog today.
The visibility was reduced in the national capital due to the thick layer of toxic smog, with at least 100 flights being cancelled, and over 300 delayed at Delhi airport, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.
The Delhi Airport issued an advisory for commuters.
“Due to dense fog, flight operations may experience disruptions. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers.
For the latest flight updates, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused,” it said in a post on X.