Delhi-NCR smog persists, air quality deteriorates to 'severe'; rain and fog forecast over weekend
PTC Web Desk: The national capital and adjoining regions in the National Capital Region (NCR) remained shrouded in dense smog for the second consecutive day on Saturday. The air quality index (AQI) surpassed the critical 400 mark, indicating 'severe' pollution levels, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).
Reduced visibility, ranging between zero and 200 metre, disrupted travel across Delhi. The Delhi Airport issued an advisory notifying passengers about ongoing low visibility procedures.
"Flight operations are currently normal. Passengers are advised to stay updated with the concerned airlines for flight information," the advisory stated. However, the airport clarified that non-CAT III compliant flights might face disruptions.
As smog continues to impact transportation, 26 trains were delayed on Saturday, officials confirmed. On Friday, over 100 flights were delayed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), while 30 trains ran behind schedule.
In response to the escalating pollution, the Centre's air quality panel has reinstated Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR. Under GRAP-3 guidelines, private BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles are prohibited from operating. Violators will face penalties under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, amounting to a Rs 20,000 fine. Visuals from Delhi show thick layers of smog blanketing the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in Delhi over the weekend, coupled with thunderstorms and lightning. Dense fog is also expected to persist, further affecting visibility.
“Isolated areas in east Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience dense to very dense fog, while regions in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and west Uttar Pradesh will witness dense fog,” the IMD added. The combined effect of rain and thunderstorms is expected to bring temporary relief from the smog but may also disrupt daily life due to poor visibility.
- With inputs from agencies
