Delhi-NCR shivers in cold wave, over 100 flights delayed amid zero visibility at airport

With cold waves hitting the national capital, the city continued to shudder under the effect of cold, with fog shrouding many areas of the city. Meanwhile, the air quality in the national capital continued in the 'poor' category. Over 100 flights were delayed and 10 cancelled as dense fog resulted in zero or low visibility conditions in Delhi on Friday.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI was recorded at 294 in Delhi today at 7 am. Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Mundka recorded an AQI of 324, Narela reached 320, Nehru Nagar hit 360, and Patparganj registered an AQI of 377. Additionally, Okhla Phase-2 reported an AQI of 351, while Sonia Vihar stood at 323.

Notably, Vivek Vihar had the highest reading at 390. Other areas like R K Puram (344), Rohini (343), and Najafgarh (221) also exhibited unhealthy air quality. However, data from Punjabi Bagh remained insufficient in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, areas such as Mandir Marg (144) and Sri Aurobindo Marg (156) showed relatively lower but still moderate AQI levels.

Visuals from the AIIMS night shelter depicted individuals resting comfortably despite the ongoing air quality concerns in the city. 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. A layer of dense fog blankets parts of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura as winter's chill intensifies in Northern India. The iconic Taj Mahal was also clouded as the dense fog covered the city of Agra.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage-III measures under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective immediately across Delhi- NCR after air quality deteriorated.

The Supreme Court, in its earlier directives, had emphasized, "If the AQI crosses 400 on a given day, Stage-IV measures will have to be reintroduced." The CAQM's approach aligns with the Supreme Court's directive issued in December 2024, mandating immediate escalation of GRAP measures if the AQI surpasses critical thresholds. 

(This story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from ANI)