NEW DELHI: A thick blanket of fog enveloped the national capital on Saturday morning, significantly impairing visibility and leading to flight delays at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. As a cold wave swept across the city, the India Meteorological Department recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius, which is considerably lower than the seasonal average.

The situation was exacerbated by an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 376, placing Delhi in the "very poor" category as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board. During early morning hours, relative humidity reached 100%, compounding the adverse effects of winter air pollution. Authorities advised travelers to check their flight status to avoid disruptions caused by the weather.

In light of the persistent cold wave, officials from the Commission for Air Quality Management and the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan held an emergency meeting to address the deteriorating air quality. Predictions from meteorological agencies suggest that conditions could worsen, potentially leading to an AQI in the "severe" category in the coming days due to stagnant wind conditions.

Response measures have been activated under the nine-point action plan, designed to conduct strict implementation of AQI management strategies across the National Capital Region (NCR). This coordinated strategy hinges on collaboration among various agencies, including the Pollution Control Boards.

The recent air quality data underscores a growing concern for residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Health experts warned of potential respiratory issues that may arise from prolonged exposure to high pollution levels. As the situation unfolds, Delhi residents are left to navigate both the physical fog and the unhealthy air conditions, emphasizing the urgent need for effective air quality management and public health measures.