Dense smog blankets Delhi airport, eight flights diverted due to low visibility

Dense fog at Delhi airport:  Low visibility conditions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi led to the diversion of eight flights on Wednesday, impacting travel plans and causing significant delays.

Sources said from 7 am, seven flights bound for Jaipur and one for Lucknow had to be rerouted due to the dense smog that blanketed Delhi. The Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in the capital plummeted to 361, a level classified as 'Very Poor.'

Local residents reported experiencing visibility challenges on roads, along with irritation in their eyes and difficulty breathing. "The pollution levels have surged, and with the temperatures dropping, we are facing numerous issues," said a resident, adding that there was barely any visibility on the roads, and they were experiencing eye irritation, runny noses, breathlessness, and persistent coughing.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, at 8 a.m., AQI readings showed Anand Vihar at 399, Punjabi Bagh at 382, and Ashok Vihar at 376.

"We are struggling with multiple problems. My grandchildren face challenges while going to school due to breathing issues, eye irritation, and throat pain. The primary causes are vehicle emissions and stubble burning. The government must take immediate action; it cannot remain passive," an elderly was quoted as saying,.

On Monday, the Supreme Court said living in a pollution-free environment was a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, and no religion advocated for activities that contributed to pollution. A Bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih questioned the authorities for not enforcing the ban on firecrackers during Diwali.