A dense blanket of toxic smog continued to choke large parts of the national capital on Thursday, with air quality remaining firmly in the ‘very poor’ category and visibility dropping sharply across several areas. The worsening pollution prompted authorities to activate the strictest emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), even as flight operations at Delhi’s airport were impacted by fog-induced low visibility.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered around 370 on Thursday morning, placing it deep within the ‘very poor’ range. Several neighbourhoods recorded even higher readings, underscoring the uneven but severe nature of the pollution crisis gripping the city.
RK Puram emerged as one of the worst-affected localities, registering an AQI of 374, while areas near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium reported AQI levels of 349. Najafgarh, though marginally better, remained shrouded in thick haze with an AQI of 284 still categorised as ‘poor’ and hazardous for prolonged exposure.
Stage-IV Emergency Measures Activated
In response to the persistent deterioration in air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked all Stage-IV measures of GRAP across Delhi-NCR. These are the most stringent curbs under the framework and are typically implemented when air quality breaches the ‘severe’ threshold or shows signs of sustained worsening.
Officials said the decision was taken to prevent a further spike in pollution levels amid unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds and falling temperatures that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Under Stage-IV restrictions, construction activities are suspended, diesel generator usage is severely curtailed, and entry of certain vehicles is restricted. Authorities have also intensified monitoring of industrial emissions and dust-control measures across key zones.
“The prevailing weather conditions are preventing dispersion of pollutants. Emergency interventions are essential to avoid slipping into the ‘severe’ category,” a senior CAQM official said.
Smog Spreads Beyond the Capital
The pollution crisis was not confined to Delhi alone. A thick layer of fog and haze also enveloped parts of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, including Ayodhya, significantly reducing visibility and raising health concerns.
Meteorological experts noted that a combination of vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activity, and stagnant atmospheric conditions has created a sustained pollution episode across the region. The absence of strong winds has further compounded the problem.
Health experts warned that prolonged exposure to such air quality levels can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing ailments.
Flight Operations Affected by Low Visibility
The deteriorating air quality and dense fog also disrupted air traffic operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Airport authorities issued an early-morning advisory informing passengers that Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) had been activated to ensure safe aircraft operations.
In a statement released at around 4:30 am, the airport said foggy conditions had reduced visibility, necessitating special protocols for take-offs and landings. While officials clarified that flight operations were continuing, they cautioned that delays were possible.
“Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are currently normal. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates on departures and arrivals,” the advisory said.
Several airlines reported minor delays during early morning hours as pilots and air traffic controllers adjusted to reduced visibility conditions. Passengers were urged to factor in additional buffer time and stay in touch with airlines for real-time information.
CAQM Flags Road Dust and Waste Accumulation
Beyond meteorological factors, enforcement agencies have flagged structural and administrative lapses contributing to the pollution crisis. Earlier this month, CAQM deployed 19 inspection teams to assess road conditions across Delhi on December 12 as part of ongoing GRAP enforcement.
The inspection covered 136 road stretches under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Findings revealed widespread dust accumulation and waste mismanagement, both of which significantly contribute to particulate matter levels.
According to the inspection report:
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15 road stretches recorded high visible dust levels
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38 stretches showed moderate dust
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61 had low dust intensity
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Only 22 stretches were found to be free of visible dust
Additionally, accumulation of municipal solid waste (MSW) was observed on 55 stretches, while construction and demolition (C&D) waste was found on 53 stretches. Evidence of biomass burning was reported at six locations.
“These observations clearly indicate gaps and recurring negligence in the maintenance of affected stretches,” CAQM said in a statement, calling for immediate corrective action.
Call for Stronger On-Ground Enforcement
The commission emphasised that road dust, waste accumulation, and open burning are major contributors to particulate pollution and require sustained, on-ground intervention rather than episodic enforcement drives.
It urged the DDA and municipal agencies to improve operational efficiency by deploying regular mechanical sweeping, ensuring timely disposal of collected dust, maintaining road shoulders and central verges, and expanding the use of water sprinkling and dust-suppression systems.
“Strengthened compliance across all road stretches is essential to prevent further deterioration of air quality,” the commission noted, adding that consistent enforcement remains key to long-term pollution control.
Outlook Remains Grim
With meteorological conditions expected to remain unfavourable over the next few days, authorities have warned that air quality may continue to fluctuate within the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ range. Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activity, use masks where possible, and follow health advisories issued by medical authorities.
As Delhi once again grapples with its annual winter smog crisis, experts say the episode highlights the urgent need for year-round pollution control measures rather than seasonal emergency responses.
