Delhi: Delhi continued to reel under a toxic mix of air pollution and dense fog on Friday, as residents woke up to sharply reduced visibility and deteriorating air quality across large parts of the city. Environmental monitors showed that pollution levels in several neighbourhoods had crossed into the “severe” category, heightening health concerns and disrupting daily movement.
The city’s average Air Quality Index hovered in the upper “very poor” range, but multiple hotspots recorded readings above 400, signalling hazardous conditions. Areas such as Anand Vihar, RK Puram and Sirifort ranked among the most polluted, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board in the morning hours.
Poor visibility added to the problem, with thick fog covering roads, flyovers and open spaces across the capital. Motorists moved cautiously through the haze, while early commuters reported difficulty navigating major traffic corridors.
Air travel was also affected as low visibility conditions interfered with flight schedules. Major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet, issued advisories urging passengers to anticipate delays. Delhi’s airport authorities later acknowledged disruptions to operations, stating that ground teams were coordinating with airlines to manage passenger movement and minimise inconvenience.
At Indira Gandhi International Airport, fog reduced visibility to near-zero levels at times, with visuals showing passengers making their way through terminals under limited sight conditions. Officials said operations were continuing with enhanced monitoring as weather conditions fluctuated.
Health experts have reiterated warnings for vulnerable groups, advising people to limit outdoor exposure, particularly during early morning hours when pollution and fog tend to peak.
With no immediate improvement forecast, residents remain braced for continued smoggy conditions, as authorities monitor pollution levels and manage transport disruptions across the capital.
