In brief
Visibility plummets as hazardous air quality engulfs Delhi, prompting the government to impose pollution control measures.
Delhi is currently grappling with severe travel disruptions caused by dense fog and hazardous air quality, resulting in significant delays for flights and trains. Reports indicate visibility levels dropped to zero in various regions early Friday, causing widespread chaos in the Indian capital's transportation network.More than 150 flights experienced delays, alongside dozens of trains operating behind schedule, signaling the seriousness of this annual winter phenomenon that plagues northern India. The chilly temperatures of December and January create conditions where pollutants linger close to the ground, leading to poor visibility and dangerous air quality.Data from the Safar website reveals that the air quality index in Delhi has surged above 400 in multiple locations, exceeding the safe limit outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) by over 25 times. In response, authorities have reinstated pollution control measures banning construction and demolition work while shifting schools to online classes.Footage and images from Delhi and surrounding areas depict a thick fog enveloping streets, fields, and buildings. The Delhi airport issued an advisory to travelers, cautioning them about possible disruptions stemming from low visibility levels. Landings and takeoffs continued, but flights without CAT III compliance faced potential interruptions. CAT III systems enable aircraft to land under low visibility conditions.Flight tracking service flightradar24 reported that departures were delayed by over 30 minutes, while arrivals faced nearly 20-minute holdups. Frustrated passengers took to social media platforms to express their grievances, criticizing the lack of clear information regarding boarding gates and flight statuses.Additionally, the Indian Railways announced that 26 trains heading to Delhi were running late due to the dense fog. Meanwhile, the Indian meteorological department forecasts light rain over the weekend, which could alleviate visibility issues.Stay connected with PulseWire for the latest updates on this developing situation.
