Delhi is bracing for another challenging winter day as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for dense to very dense fog across the National Capital Region (NCR) today. This atmospheric phenomenon, while beautiful to behold for some, heralds a familiar and more sinister problem: a significant dip in air quality. Forecasters predict that the Air Quality Index (AQI) is likely to soar past the 400-mark over the upcoming weekend, pushing the city’s air into the ‘Severe’ category, a grave concern for public health and daily life.
The capital’s residents woke up to a thick blanket of fog, reducing visibility to dangerously low levels in many areas. This weather condition, characteristic of Delhi’s winters, not only disrupts travel but also traps pollutants close to the surface, exacerbating the already precarious air quality. As the city grapples with the immediate impact of the fog, the looming threat of severe pollution over the weekend casts a long shadow, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and precautionary measures.
Visibility Impaired and Daily Commute Woes
The immediate consequence of the dense fog is the severe disruption to transportation networks. Early morning commuters faced significant challenges, with visibility dropping to near zero in several arterial roads and highways connecting Delhi to its neighbouring cities like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Road traffic slowed to a crawl, leading to long delays and increased risks of accidents. Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution, use fog lights, and maintain safe distances.
Air travel at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has also been heavily impacted. Numerous flights, both domestic and international, have been delayed or diverted, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers. Railway services too bore the brunt, with several trains running behind schedule as a result of the reduced visibility on tracks. Such disruptions are an annual ordeal for Delhiites, highlighting the need for robust weather-resilient infrastructure and communication systems. The IMD specifically warned of visibility levels plummeting to less than 50 meters in many parts, a classification that severely hampers normal daily activities and economic movement.
The Persistent AQI Challenge and Health Implications
While fog presents an immediate logistical nightmare, its dangerous synergy with air pollution creates a more insidious long-term threat. Fog acts as a natural lid, trapping particulate matter and gaseous pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersal. This phenomenon is a primary reason why Delhi’s air quality deteriorates sharply during winter months. The forecast of AQI exceeding 400 over the weekend means the air will be classified as ‘Severe’, indicating a serious risk of respiratory illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10, microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, will see elevated concentrations. Sources range from vehicular emissions and industrial activities to construction dust and, at times, stubble burning in agrarian states. “The combination of dense fog and severe air pollution creates a hazardous environment, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. It’s crucial for residents to take all necessary precautions and for authorities to implement long-term strategies,” states Dr. Anuj Sharma, a prominent pulmonologist based in Delhi. Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a ‘Severe’ AQI often triggers measures such as a ban on non-essential construction, restrictions on vehicle movement, and closure of educational institutions, though specific directives are awaited based on the evolving situation.
Government Advisories and Citizen Preparedness
In response to the deteriorating conditions, both the IMD and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are continuously monitoring the situation and issuing advisories. Health experts strongly recommend that residents minimize outdoor exposure, particularly during early mornings and late evenings. Wearing N95 masks, using air purifiers indoors, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities are among the common recommendations to mitigate health risks. For those with respiratory ailments, keeping medication handy and consulting doctors for any discomfort is paramount.
The city administration, in coordination with various agencies, is expected to review the situation and potentially enforce stricter measures under GRAP to curb pollution sources. While immediate relief from weather patterns is beyond human control, proactive steps by authorities and responsible behaviour by citizens can help mitigate the worst impacts of this annual winter crisis. The current alert serves as a stark reminder of the persistent environmental challenges Delhi faces and the collective effort required to ensure a healthier, more breathable future.
