Delhi and its surrounding regions in the National Capital Region (NCR) are grappling with a brutal triple assault: thick fog, bone-chilling cold, and hazardous air pollution. Daily life has ground to a halt as visibility drops to near zero, flights face massive delays, and schools remain shuttered.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of ‘very dense fog’ persisting through the week, with temperatures plummeting to single digits in many areas. Last night, Delhi recorded a low of 4°C, while Noida and Gurugram shivered at 3°C. Commuters are stranded, trains running late by hours, and road accidents spiking due to poor visibility.
Adding to the misery, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged past 400 in parts of the capital, categorizing the air as ‘severe’. Stubble burning in neighboring states, coupled with stagnant weather conditions, has trapped pollutants close to the ground. Health experts urge residents to stay indoors, wear masks, and avoid outdoor activities, especially for children and the elderly.
Authorities have activated emergency measures, including the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme and construction bans. Yet, with no immediate relief in sight, the NCR’s residents brace for more days of disrupted routines. Meteorologists predict a slight warming trend by the weekend, but cleaner air might take longer amid ongoing emission sources.