New Delhi : Delhi and the wider National Capital Region (NCR) are experiencing one of the harshest winter spells in recent years. A dense blanket of fog combined with toxic smog has disrupted daily life, grounding flights, delaying trains, and worsening already hazardous air quality. The situation reflects the dual challenge of weather and pollution that urban India faces each winter, raising concerns about public health, infrastructure resilience, and long‑term environmental management.
Flight Disruptions
At Indira Gandhi International Airport, visibility dropped to near zero in the early morning hours. On December 19, 79 flights were cancelled and hundreds delayed, forcing airlines to issue advisories urging passengers to check schedules and allow extra travel time.
- CAT III Operations: Aircraft were forced to rely on advanced landing systems designed for extremely poor visibility.
- Passenger Impact: Long queues formed at terminals, with many travelers stranded or forced to reschedule.
- Airline Advisories: IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet warned of fluctuating visibility and possible cancellations across North India.
The fog also affected airports in Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Amritsar, highlighting the regional scale of disruption.
Air Quality Crisis
The fog coincided with worsening pollution levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI hovered around 390–398, firmly in the “very poor” category and threatening to tip into “severe”.
- Localized Hotspots: Chandni Chowk recorded AQI 455, Wazirpur 449, Bawana 446, Rohini 444, and Anand Vihar 438.
- Health Risks: Prolonged exposure at these levels can cause respiratory distress, aggravate asthma, and increase cardiovascular risks.
- Visual Impact: Iconic landmarks like Lodhi Garden and India Gate were shrouded in thick haze, symbolizing the scale of the crisis.
The toxic mix of fog and smog created what meteorologists call “smog episodes,” where pollutants become trapped near the surface due to temperature inversion.
Meteorological Factors
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility at Safdarjung dropped to zero, while Palam airport recorded just 50 metres.
- Temperature Inversion: Cold air near the ground trapped pollutants, preventing dispersion.
- Cold Wave Conditions: Bitter cold worsened the situation, as heating and biomass burning added to emissions.
- Regional Spread: Dense fog covered much of North India, disrupting road and rail traffic alongside aviation.
Public Health Concerns
The combination of dense fog and severe AQI poses serious risks:
- Respiratory Illnesses: Hospitals reported a rise in patients with breathing difficulties.
- Children and Elderly: Vulnerable groups face higher risks of bronchitis, asthma attacks, and eye irritation.
- Outdoor Workers: Delivery staff, construction workers, and traffic police are exposed to prolonged hazardous conditions.
Doctors advised residents to avoid outdoor exercise, use N95 masks, and rely on air purifiers indoors.
Government and Policy Response
Authorities have taken several measures:
- Pollution Control: The Delhi government re‑imposed restrictions on construction and industrial activity.
- Traffic Management: Speed limits were reduced on highways, and fog lights were mandated for vehicles.
- Public Advisories: Citizens were urged to minimize travel, especially during early morning hours.
Despite these steps, critics argue that long‑term solutions remain elusive, as seasonal pollution continues to plague Delhi every winter.
Economic and Social Impact
The disruptions have ripple effects:
- Air Travel Losses: Airlines face financial strain from cancellations and passenger compensation.
- Business Delays: Meetings, cargo shipments, and tourism are affected.
- Daily Life: Schools reported lower attendance, while commuters struggled with delayed trains and buses.
The crisis underscores how environmental factors directly affect economic productivity.
Comparative Context
Delhi’s situation mirrors challenges faced by other global cities:
- Beijing: Known for winter smog episodes, though aggressive policies have reduced severity.
- London (1952): The “Great Smog” killed thousands, prompting stricter air laws.
- Los Angeles: Historically battled photochemical smog, now mitigated through vehicle emission standards.
Delhi’s recurring fog‑smog episodes highlight the need for systemic reforms in urban planning, energy use, and transport policy.
Risks and Watchpoints
- Persistent Fog: IMD forecasts suggest dense fog may continue for several days.
- AQI Worsening: Pollution levels could tip into “severe” if emissions remain unchecked.
- Public Safety: Road accidents increase sharply during low‑visibility conditions.
- Long‑Term Health: Chronic exposure may lead to higher rates of lung disease in the population.
Conclusion
The dense fog and worsening AQI in Delhi represent a double blow to the city’s residents. With flights cancelled, visibility reduced to dangerous levels, and pollution hovering near “severe,” the crisis highlights the fragility of urban infrastructure against environmental stress.
For policymakers, the challenge is twofold: managing immediate disruptions through advisories and restrictions, and addressing structural causes of pollution through cleaner energy, stricter emissions control, and sustainable urban planning. For citizens, the priority remains safeguarding health and adapting to the realities of winter smog.
As Delhi chokes under toxic skies, the episode serves as a stark reminder that climate resilience and pollution control are no longer optional—they are urgent necessities.
