The national capital woke up under a dense layer of fog, worsening already poor air quality that is now close to the “severe” threshold in several areas. Visibility dropped below 100 meters in places such as Palam, disrupting operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport with multiple flight delays and cancellations. The city’s average AQI hovered around 387 to 388, categorised as “very poor,” while pollution hotspots including Ghazipur, ITO, and Anand Vihar slipped into the “severe” range, exposing residents to dangerously high PM2.5 levels. Major roads connecting Delhi to Gurugram and Noida were choked with traffic, echoing recent episodes that caused large scale travel disruptions.

Cold winter temperatures around 13°C and stagnant atmospheric conditions have trapped pollutants from vehicles, industrial activity, and ongoing stubble burning, intensifying the smog. Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan remain in force, halting construction work, restricting fuel sales to compliant vehicles, and keeping authorities on standby for traffic curbs if pollution worsens. Although moderate northwest winds may bring limited relief, weather forecasts indicate that foggy conditions are likely to persist through the weekend.

Health officials have warned that children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions face increased risks, advising the use of protective masks, reduced outdoor exposure, and indoor air purification. Residents are encouraged to monitor air quality levels, rely on public transport where possible, and stay well hydrated. As Delhi once again grapples with its annual winter smog, the situation has renewed calls for long term solutions such as expanding clean transport infrastructure, drawing inspiration from cities that have successfully reduced pollution levels.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from