Visibility in Delhi was significantly impacted early Wednesday morning as winter set in, leading to worsening air quality. Dense smog covered the city, keeping the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘Very Poor’ category, recorded at 355 at 7 a.m. by the Central Pollution Control Board and rising to 370 by 10 a.m.
Visibility at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport was reduced to zero meters at 8:30 a.m., improving slightly to 50 meters by 10 a.m. The dense fog forced the diversion of eight flights, with seven directed to Jaipur and one to Lucknow. Rail traffic was also affected, with train speeds reduced due to low visibility, according to railway sources.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted an increase in fog intensity over the city, recording a minimum temperature of 17°C, a slight drop from the previous day. The IMD warned that prolonged fog and smog could lower daytime temperatures due to reduced sunlight.
Mumbai also reported high AQI levels, with readings like 138 overall and specific areas such as Deonar at 212 and Malad West at 204.
Delhi’s AQI readings at 10 a.m. showed Anand Vihar at 413, North Campus at 405, and Jahangirpuri at 399. An AQI is categorized as “Very Poor” between 301-400 and “Severe” above 400, indicating hazardous air quality across the capital.
