A deadly cocktail of dense fog, biting cold waves, and poisonous smog has paralyzed the National Capital Region, turning routine commutes into nightmares and confining millions indoors. From airport runways to busy highways, everything is at a standstill.
Morning temperatures hovered around 5°C across Delhi-NCR, with fog reducing visibility to under 50 meters on major routes like the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway. Over 50 flights were diverted at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, and the Delhi Metro extended operations to ease the chaos.
Air pollution levels are alarming, with Anand Vihar clocking an AQI of 450—among the worst globally. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), banning diesel generators and tightening industrial curbs. Doctors report a surge in respiratory cases, warning of long-term health risks from prolonged exposure.
As the cold spell intensifies, farm fires continue unabated in Punjab and Haryana, exacerbating the smog crisis. Relief appears distant, with IMD forecasting similar conditions until Thursday. NCR dwellers are advised to use air purifiers, monitor AQI apps, and limit travel. This annual ordeal underscores the urgent need for sustained anti-pollution reforms.