New Delhi, Jan 17: Dense fog covered large parts of the national capital on Saturday morning as cold wave conditions continued, leading to poor visibility and delays in several flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Passengers have been advised to check flight schedules with their airlines before leaving for the airport, as fog-related disruptions may continue intermittently.
The India Meteorological Department reported a slight rise in the minimum temperature, which was recorded at 7 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning, compared to 4 degrees Celsius a day earlier. Despite the marginal increase, visibility during early hours remained low, affecting road, rail, and air traffic across the city.
Delhi’s air quality also remained a major concern. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the Air Quality Index at 368 around 7 am, placing it in the “very poor” category. Authorities have warned that air quality may deteriorate further in the coming days due to unfavourable weather conditions and slow, variable wind speeds.
In response to the worsening situation, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan reviewed the prevailing air quality and weather forecasts and decided to invoke all measures under Stage III of the GRAP across the National Capital Region with immediate effect. These measures come in addition to actions already in place under Stages I and II.
Agencies responsible for implementing pollution control measures have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of Stage III actions, which include a nine-point action plan aimed at preventing further deterioration of air quality across the NCR.
