New Delhi , 17 Jan : Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region endured yet another severe winter spell on Saturday, as plummeting temperatures, thick fog and alarming air pollution levels combined to create difficult living conditions across the region.
The cold wave persisted for the sixth consecutive day, while pollution surged into the ‘severe’ category, raising concerns about health and safety.
Night temperatures in the capital slipped significantly below normal levels, intensifying the cold.
The minimum temperature in Delhi dropped to 4.3 degrees Celsius, while key weather stations at Safdarjung and Ayanagar had registered lows of 4.7 degrees Celsius a day earlier, reflecting the sustained severity of the winter chill.
Adding to the discomfort, dense fog engulfed the city during the early hours, sharply reducing visibility and disrupting transport services. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, visibility declined to nearly 350 metres around 6:30 AM, resulting in operational difficulties and delays for several flights.
Airport officials activated low-visibility protocols and advised passengers to remain alert.
In a message shared, Delhi Airport stated, “Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information.”
Thick smog covered major traffic routes, reducing visibility and slowing vehicular movement across the city.
Pollution Levels Trigger GRAP Stage-III Curbs
Air quality across the capital worsened sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 350 in multiple locations. In response to the rising pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reinstated Stage-III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to prevent further deterioration.
These restrictions mandate the suspension of all non-essential construction and demolition activities. Operations such as welding, painting, plastering, piling, trenching and flooring have been temporarily halted to limit dust and emissions.
According to figures released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI at ITO climbed to 402, placing it firmly within the ‘severe’ category.
As per CPCB guidelines, AQI levels above 401 pose serious health risks, particularly for children, senior citizens and people suffering from respiratory or heart-related ailments.
Several neighbourhoods recorded critically high pollution levels. Anand Vihar emerged as the most polluted area with an AQI of 437, followed by Patparganj at 429, Chandni Chowk at 426, Nehru Nagar at 421 and Vivek Vihar at 418.
With extreme cold and toxic air persisting, authorities have advised residents to minimise outdoor exposure, especially during early mornings and late evenings, as Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with the compounded impact of winter and pollution.
