Delhi faces severe travel disruptions as orange alert issued for dense fog
- Dense fog in Delhi led to the issuance of an orange alert by the India Meteorological Department.
- Air quality deteriorated severely, with AQI levels reaching hazardous numbers.
- The combination of fog and pollution has resulted in significant transport disruptions and public safety concerns.
India has been facing severe weather conditions, with the capital city of Delhi experiencing heavy fog that has caused significant disruptions to daily life and travel. On January 10, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the region, indicating potential hazards due to dense fog. Visibility dropped to nearly zero in many areas, leading to delays in both air and rail transport. Airlines at Indira Gandhi International Airport reported over 150 flights delayed, as conditions were not suitable for aircraft without advanced navigation systems. Additionally, rail services were severely affected, with approximately 25 trains delayed as well. The poor air quality exacerbated the impact of the fog, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared into the 'severe' category, hitting levels as high as 409 in some parts of the city. This alarming AQI level poses serious health risks to the residents, especially to vulnerable populations. The IMD had warned that the ongoing high pollution levels could lead to health issues and urged citizens to take necessary precautions. The weather conditions reflected a familiar pattern observed every winter, when the combination of low temperatures and atmospheric pollutants contributes to severe air quality and visibility issues. In response to the intense cold wave and the thick blanket of fog, authorities implemented precautions and monitored the situation closely. They recommended individuals, particularly those homeless or without proper shelter, to utilize night shelters that were made available by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board. Citizens were urged to stay indoors whenever possible to avoid exposure to the harmful air quality. Despite the alert and public advisories, daily commuters faced severe inconveniences in their travel plans due to the widespread disruption of both flights and trains. The government has previously grappled with the dual challenges of air pollution combined with adverse weather conditions during this time of the year. Measures such as construction bans and temporary closures of schools were enacted in an effort to combat the climate crisis escalating from the persistent pollution in Delhi. As the winter season continues, authorities are left to consider long-term strategies aimed at mitigating such weather phenomena and ensuring public safety.