Delhi air pollution: AQI touches 500, orange alert issued for dense fog
A thick layer of fog blanketed Delhi and its surrounding areas, with the air quality reaching 500. According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 494 at 6 a.m., placing it in the 'severe plus' category.
Delhi air pollution: A thick layer of fog blanketed Delhi and its surrounding areas, with the air quality reaching 500. According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 494 at 6 a.m., placing it in the 'severe plus' category.
The majority of the 35 monitoring stations in the national capital had an air quality index of 500. NSIT Dwarka has the lowest AQI of 480, according to real-time statistics.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued an 'orange' alert for dense fog for the second day in a row.
Trains and flights were delayed or cancelled as visibility in India's capital plummeted due to hazardous fog. On Tuesday morning, at least 22 trains were delayed and nine were cancelled.
IndiGo Airlines issued a late-night advisory, stating that "Foggy weather in Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh is affecting travel conditions, including slow-moving traffic and possible changes to flight operations. Please plan accordingly and stay updated on the flight status for a smooth journey."
On Monday, the Delhi government implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), an anti-pollution strategy, in addition to the prior three stages.
The GRAP-4 guidelines include a prohibition on Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy freight vehicles. All trucks and light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi would be barred from entering the national capital, with the exception of those transporting necessary items or providing critical services.
Furthermore, public and commercial offices have been instructed to operate at 50% capacity, with the remainder advised to work from home.
All schools have closed or gone online. According to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, all physical classes up to Class 12 have been discontinued, and all subjects are being moved online. The Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have decided to offer online classes until November 22.