Delhi chokes under severe pollution; low visibility procedures imposed in airport

The air pollution in the national capital plunged further in the hours leading to Monday morning, prompting authorities to impose measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

On Sunday at 7 pm, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 457 by 7 pm.

The Delhi government has suspended in-person classes for all except for students of classes 10 and 12.

There is also a ban on trucks from entering Delhi, except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). 

Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, except for electric vehicles and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.   

Delhi also witnessed the season's lowest daytime temperature on Sunday as mercury dipped to 27.2 degrees Celsius -

the lowest daytime temperature of the season.  

The weather department has issued an Orange Alert for Monday. "Dense to very dense fog is likely over Delhi-NCR during the morning hours of Monday," the India Meteorological Department said.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to settle at 27 and 17 degrees Celsius, it said.

Low visibility procedures are in place at the Delhi International Airport. However, flight operations are normal so far.  

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said on Sunday night that low visibility procedures are in place at the airport. 

It also advised passengers to contact the airlines concerned for updated flight information.