Several Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati, experienced a foggy Monday morning, leading to travel disruptions and worsening air quality. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport saw multiple flight delays due to low visibility, while IndiGo temporarily suspended operations in Leh amid snowfall, advising passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
By 9 AM, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 256, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Certain areas saw even worse pollution: Anand Vihar reached an AQI of 320 (‘Very Poor’), and Chandni Chowk reported 337. Akshardham and ITO recorded AQIs of 294 and 256, respectively. Authorities have urged residents to continue following Stages I and II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to prevent further deterioration. Construction and demolition sites closed for violations cannot reopen without CAQM approval.
Mumbai woke up to hazy conditions, with AQI levels at 132 (‘Moderate’), while Guwahati experienced a cold, foggy morning with an AQI of 72 (‘Satisfactory’). The India Meteorological Department predicted a minimum temperature of 14°C for Assam’s capital.
Delhi authorities had recently lifted Stage III restrictions under GRAP due to improved air quality from favorable weather, but they continue to monitor conditions closely, consulting forecasts from the IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
Passengers at Delhi airport faced delays, with airlines completing boarding procedures in advance to minimize inconvenience. The weather-induced disruptions underscore the continuing challenges posed by winter pollution and fog in northern India, emphasizing the need for precautionary measures for both travel and health.
