What Is Happening Across Delhi-NCR
Delhi and the wider National Capital Region continue to grapple with severe air pollution, with dense smog and winter fog combining to keep the Air Quality Index in the very poor to severe category across several locations. Monitoring stations in Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and parts of East Delhi have recorded AQI levels crossing the 400 mark, placing air quality firmly in the severe zone.
The conditions have reduced visibility, disrupted daily routines, and prompted advisories related to travel, schooling, and public health.
How Bad the Air Quality Is Right Now
Air quality across NCR has remained hazardous through most of the day, with pollution peaking during early morning and late evening hours. In hotspots such as Anand Vihar and Ghaziabad, AQI readings have stayed above 400, indicating air that poses serious health risks even to otherwise healthy individuals.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure during such phases can lead to breathing difficulties, eye irritation, fatigue, and aggravated respiratory and cardiac conditions.
Impact on Flights and Airport Operations
Dense fog combined with high pollution levels has affected flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, leading to delays, cancellations, and diversions. Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status before travelling, particularly during early morning hours when visibility remains poor.
Airport operations continue under low-visibility protocols, with schedules subject to sudden changes.
Traffic and Road Travel Advisory
Road travel across Delhi NCR has also been impacted due to reduced visibility. Traffic police have issued advisories urging cautious driving, with speed restrictions in place on major expressways and arterial roads.
Commuters have reported slower movement during peak hours, especially in fog-prone stretches connecting Delhi with Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurugram.
Schools Shift to Online or Hybrid Classes
In response to the deteriorating air quality, authorities in Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad have suspended physical classes for nursery to Class V students, moving them to online mode. Some schools are continuing higher classes through hybrid arrangements, depending on local conditions.
Officials said the measures are aimed at reducing exposure for children during periods of severe pollution.
Health Advisory for Residents
Doctors have advised residents to limit outdoor exposure, avoid morning walks and strenuous outdoor exercise, and wear protective masks if stepping out is unavoidable. Households have been encouraged to keep windows closed during peak pollution hours and use air purifiers indoors where available.
Medical professionals caution that even short-term exposure during severe AQI phases can have cumulative health effects.
What Residents Should Expect Next
With winter conditions expected to persist, authorities are closely monitoring pollution and weather patterns. Advisories and restrictions may continue or be extended if AQI levels remain in the severe range.
Residents are advised to stay updated through official announcements and plan travel, schooling, and outdoor activities with caution.
FAQs
What is the current AQI situation in Delhi-NCR?
Several areas across Delhi-NCR are recording very poor to severe AQI, with locations like Anand Vihar and parts of Ghaziabad crossing 400, which falls in the severe category.
What does an AQI above 400 indicate?
An AQI above 400 indicates severe air pollution, where even healthy individuals may experience health effects, and vulnerable groups face significantly higher risks.
Are schools closed due to the pollution?
Physical classes for younger students have been suspended in parts of Delhi-NCR, with schools shifting to online or hybrid learning as a precautionary measure.
Is air travel being affected by pollution and fog?
Yes. Poor visibility caused by smog and fog has led to flight delays, cancellations, and diversions, especially during early morning hours.
What precautions should residents take right now?
Residents should limit outdoor activity, avoid exercise outside, wear masks when necessary, and follow official health and travel advisories.