Dense fog disrupts travel in Delhi and other northern India cities

Delhi, New: For severe fog across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, a red warning has been issued. More than a hundred planes have been delayed in the nation’s capital due to a dense layer of fog.

Approximately 134 domestic and international planes had delays yesterday, affecting 35 international departures and 28 international arrivals, according to the Delhi airport. In addition, there were delays for 28 domestic arrivals and 43 domestic departures. At the New Delhi Railway Station, 22 trains had delays that left people trapped in the bitter cold. The scenario was the same there.

Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 356 today, indicating a little improvement in the quality of the air. The air quality is predicted to remain in the “very poor” category for the next two days, despite the minor improvement.

The Met Department’s INSAT data from yesterday revealed a thick layer of fog across northern India, impacting areas of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and northwest Madhya Pradesh. Low visibility conditions made the effect clear, causing traffic jams and accidents.

With heavy fog expected across Punjab and Haryana for the next five days, the IMD issued an extended warning. For the next three days, heavy fog is predicted in Uttar Pradesh, prompting the UP State Road Transport Corporation to release instructions for bus operations in poor visibility situations.

The Delhi Airport Authority sent a warning, informing pilots that planes that do not meet CAT III requirements would experience delays. The IMD also emphasized the possible health hazards linked to thick fog, focusing on the pollutants and particle matter that may have a negative impact on respiratory health.