New Delhi, November 18: Severe air pollution and poor visibility led to the diversion of 14 Delhi-bound flights to Jaipur and Dehradun on Monday, as "low visibility procedures" were enforced at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Affected passengers were advised to contact airlines for updated flight information.
The Delhi Airport issued an advisory early in the morning, cautioning about potential disruptions. “Low Visibility Procedures are still in progress. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted,” the advisory read.
The crisis coincides with hazardous air quality levels in Delhi. The Air Quality Index (AQI) hit "severe plus" levels, recording a staggering 489 at noon, with specific areas like Dwarka Sector 8 reaching the maximum 500 mark. Other areas, including Ashok Vihar, Mundka, and Anand Vihar, hovered close to similar levels, reflecting a dire pollution scenario.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi NCR. The emergency measures include:
A ban on the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi.
Suspension of construction and demolition activities, extending to public infrastructure projects like roads and highways.
These measures follow an alarming rise in Delhi's daily average AQI, which escalated from 441 in the afternoon to 457 by Sunday evening, prompting an urgent meeting of the GRAP Sub-Committee.
Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities and adopt protective measures to mitigate health risks during the ongoing pollution crisis.
