Dense fog, cold wave and hazardous smog grip north India
North India woke up to a chilly Sunday, with dense fog and cold wave conditions affecting daily life across the region. In the national capital, temperatures dropped to 9C, while thick smog reduced visibility, prompting health advisories for residents. Despite the weather, services at Indira Gandhi International Airport remained unaffected as of 8 pm, according to a travel advisory. Other cities, including Karnal (Haryana) and Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh), recorded similar conditions with temperatures hovering around 9C. IMD issued an orange alert for Moradabad. Agras Taj Mahal was obscured by dense fog, while Kanpur residents huddled around bonfires to keep warm. In Guwahati, Assam, the minimum temperature fell to 15C under foggy, cold-wave conditions. The air quality in Delhi worsened, with the AQI reaching 391, entering the severe category, and some localities crossing 400. Anand Vihar recorded 445, Patparganj 425, Nehru Nagar 433, Shadipur 445, Mundka 413, and IGI Airport 320. The combination of cold weather, calm winds, and fog trapped pollutants, resulting in dense haze and smog across the city. Authorities have invoked Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, including restrictions on construction and industrial activity, while enforcing the No PUC, No Fuel rule. In response, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of measures to improve environmental governance. Rs 100 crore will be allocated to rejuvenate 160 government-managed water bodies out of the 1,000 in the capital, aimed at pollution control. The government also approved the creation of Delhis first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, spanning 11.5 acres, to operate on a 100% circular, zero-waste model. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, Rejuvenation of Delhis water bodies will play a crucial role in controlling pollution. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible support be provided to complete the work within the year. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, a thin layer of smog covered areas like Bandra Kurla Complex, with AQI recorded at 123 (moderate), highlighting that pollution continues to affect multiple urban centres across India. (With inputs from ANI)
10 C
