Delhi and the surrounding NCR woke up to thick smog for the third consecutive day on Monday. Air quality stayed in the ‘severe’ category throughout the day. In response, the Delhi government ordered schools to switch to online classes for students up to Class 5.
Data from the Air Quality Early Warning System showed the overall AQI at 457 at 6 am. Later in the evening, the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app recorded an AQI of 410 at 8:05 pm.
The dense smog reduced visibility across the region. It also disrupted flight operations at Delhi’s airport.
AQI Touches the Maximum Limit at Several Locations
Air quality worsened sharply over the weekend and remained extremely poor on Monday. At least four monitoring stations — Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Rohini and Wazipur — recorded an AQI of 500 around 7 am. This is the highest value on the CPCB scale.
Since the AQI scale does not go beyond 500, actual pollution levels may have been even worse. By Sunday night, 26 of Delhi’s 39 active monitoring stations continued to show ‘severe’ or ‘severe-plus’ air quality.
The CPCB defines AQI levels between 101 and 200 as ‘moderate’. Readings between 201 and 300 are ‘poor’. Levels from 301 to 400 fall under ‘very poor’. Any AQI above 400 is classified as ‘severe’. For emergency action, AQI of 450 and above is termed ‘severe plus’, while 500 is considered extremely dangerous.
Flights Cancelled and Delayed Due to Low Visibility
The heavy smog severely affected flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. On Monday morning, 228 flights were cancelled. This included 131 departures and 97 arrivals.
More than 400 additional flights faced delays. At least five flights heading to Delhi were diverted because pilots could not land safely due to poor visibility.
Messi’s Delhi Visit Hit by Smog
The pollution also delayed Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s arrival in Delhi. He was travelling from Mumbai for the final leg of his G.O.A.T Tour.
According to PTI, Messi was scheduled to land before 11 am. However, thick smog delayed the flight by several hours. He eventually reached the capital well after 2 pm.
Schools Move Fully Online for Younger Students
As air quality remained hazardous, the Delhi government tightened restrictions. Schools were directed to conduct only online classes for students up to Class 5.
This decision came a day after Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was enforced. Earlier, the Directorate of Education had allowed schools to operate in a hybrid mode, combining physical and online classes. However, worsening pollution forced authorities to shift entirely to online teaching for younger children.
Singapore Issues Advisory for Its Nationals
Delhi’s toxic air prompted the Singapore High Commission to issue an advisory for its citizens living in Delhi-NCR. The mission asked nationals to “pay heed” to instructions related to staying indoors and wearing masks when stepping out.
It also urged them to monitor advisories from Delhi airport authorities and airlines due to possible flight disruptions caused by low visibility. The High Commission shared emergency contact details for consular assistance if required.