Delhi chokes under dense fog, toxic smog as AQI slips back to ‘severe’

The National Capital on Monday witnessed a sharp drop in visibility as a thick layer of toxic smog and dense fog covered the entire NCR. This brought all normal life to a standstill.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 318. This means that the AQI is in the very poor category.

The situation worsened as the morning progressed, with the overall AQI reaching 403 by 7 am.

Deane fog reduced the visibility to near zero, which affected the trains and flight operations at IGI. The schools in Noida were shut due to the cold and smog.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for very dense fog in Delhi. It forecasted maximum and minimum temperatures of around 22 and 7 degrees Celsius.

Anand Vihar recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 459. Other areas also reported severe pollution levels, including IGI Airport at 317, IIT Delhi at 362, ITO at 400, Lodhi Road at 359, and Chandni Chowk at 423.