Monday Morning Mayhem: Fog and Pollution Paralyze the Capital
Travel plans for thousands of passengers were thrown into disarray this Monday as a suffocating layer of smog and weather-related haze descended upon New Delhi. The combination of plummeting temperatures and hazardous air quality brought visibility down to near zero, forcing major disruptions across the city’s transport networks.
Transport Infrastructure Takes a Hit
The severe weather conditions have triggered an operational nightmare for aviation and rail authorities. According to the latest reports, approximately 40 flights scheduled to operate out of Indira Gandhi International Airport were grounded. Major carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, had to cancel services proactively to ensure passenger safety.
The chaos wasn't limited to the skies. Indian Railways reported significant delays, with nearly 60 trains running hours behind schedule due to the poor sighting conditions on the tracks.
Toxic Air Quality Levels
While the fog reduced visibility, the pollution made the air unbreathable. The capital’s pollution metrics have spiraled out of control, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surging into the "Severe Plus" category. Monitoring stations in Ashok Vihar reported alarming figures, maxing out at an AQI of 500. Other key areas like Anand Vihar and Dwarka were not far behind, recording levels of 493 and 469 respectively, indicating a public health emergency.
Advisories Issued
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has responded by issuing an orange alert, warning residents of continued low visibility. Morning temperatures also saw a dip, recording a chilly 12 degrees Celsius.
Airlines have issued frantic advisories, urging flyers to check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid overcrowding and inconvenience. Both SpiceJet and IndiGo took to social media to inform passengers that safety remains their priority during these challenging conditions. The airport authority has also advised travelers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates.
Health Warning
Medical experts are sounding the alarm regarding the health risks posed by this toxic cocktail of fog and pollutants. Doctors are strongly advising against outdoor morning activities, such as walking or jogging, as the air is most toxic during the early hours. Residents have been urged to wear masks if they must step out and to wait for sunlight to help disperse some of the pollutants before venturing outdoors.
