Delhi Fog Cuts Visibility to Zero as AQI Crosses 400, Cold Wave Brings Orange Alert

Dense fog blanketed parts of Delhi and other adjoining cities, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida, on Monday morning, reducing visibility to almost zero.

The air quality remained poor, as the AQI (Air Quality Index) was marked above 400, indicating the ‘severe’ category.

Even though Sunday began with a ‘Very Poor’ AQI category, it worsened further by evening, and the capital once again got covered with thick fog and high pollution levels.

Multiple Areas See AQI Cross 400: CPCB Data

Based on Central Pollution Control Board data, the monitoring stations which recorded poor air quality were Chandni Chowk (426), Mundka (416), Okhla Phase - 2 (411), Ashok Vihar (430), Narela, Burari Crossing (401), Anand Vihar (458), and Jahangirpuri (439).

Delhi Pollution Health Advisory

As air pollution levels have increased since December 25, the experts have warned about serious health risks to children, the elderly, and people with breathing and cardiac problems.

Dense Fog & Cold Wave Grips City: Delhi Orange Alert Today

Witnessing the poor air quality in Delhi, the meteorological authorities have issued an orange alert on December 29.

The maximum temperature may reach around 22 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may drop to 7 degrees Celsius.

Dense Fog to Cover Many Parts of North India

The dense fog is likely to affect many parts of northern India in the coming days. The states to witness heavy fog during nights are West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh till December 31.

East Uttar Pradesh will continue to have poor visibility until January 1. It will see improvement in the conditions afterwards.

CAQM Closely Monitors Delhi Air, GRAP Meeting Likely if AQI Worsens

Showing serious concern for the rising pollution level, an official from the CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) has assured the close monitoring of the situation.

He has initiated a meeting of the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) sub-committee if the air quality worsens further.

Earlier, there were no meetings related to it, but this time it will take place, depending on the rise of AQI levels.

Delhi Government Pushes EVs, Shared Transport to Curb Pollution

To control pollution, the Delhi government is taking essential steps by promoting shared transport and electric vehicles, monitoring vehicles at testing centres, and reducing traffic on roads.

According to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the main objective of the transport policy is to minimise the number of vehicles, ensuring convenience for people with hassle-free travelling.

FAQs

Q: Why is Delhi's AQI increasing?

A: The reason behind Delhi’s AQI increase is dense fog, cold weather trapping pollutants, vehicle emissions, and dust from ongoing constructions. These prevent the dispersion of pollution.

Q: What does an Orange Alert mean?

A: An Orange alert indicates risky conditions, where people need to stay alert due to poor air quality that can raise health issues.

Q: How does a cold wave affect health in Delhi?

A: A cold wave in Delhi affects people with breathing and cardiac health issues. It increases the risk of infections, especially among children and older people, who are vulnerable to it.

Q: What was the Delhi government doing for that?

A:  The Delhi government is making efforts through promoting the use of shared transport and electric vehicles, minimising the maximum traffic on roads, and conducting regular vehicle checks.

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