New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) faced another frigid winter morning on Saturday, as freezing temperatures, thick fog, and dangerous air quality merged to amplify discomfort across North India. The cold wave persisted for the sixth day in a row, with pollution levels surpassing the 'severe' category, prompting the authorities to enforce strict measures under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The minimum temperatures in the national capital dropped significantly below seasonal averages, further intensifying the cold. Delhi registered a low of 4.3 degrees Celsius, while the Safdarjung and Ayanagar weather stations noted temperatures of 4.7 degrees Celsius a day earlier.

Conditions were exacerbated by dense fog, which considerably diminished visibility in the early hours.

At Indira Gandhi International Airport, visibility fell to around 350 meters at 6:30 am, resulting in operational difficulties and flight delays. The airport authorities had issued a travel advisory earlier in the day, confirming that low-visibility procedures were activated for both arrivals and departures.

In a message on the social media platform X, Delhi Airport stated, “Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are currently normal. Passengers are encouraged to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information.”

Meanwhile, air quality saw a sharp decline, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding the 350 threshold in numerous areas. Consequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage-III GRAP measures to prevent further environmental and health deterioration.

As part of these restrictions, all non-essential construction and demolition activities have been halted, including welding, plastering, painting, piling, trenching, and flooring work.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that AQI levels at ITO reached 402, firmly categorizing it as ‘severe’. According to CPCB standards, AQI readings exceeding 401 indicate severe pollution, posing significant health threats, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Several neighborhoods reported even higher pollution levels. Anand Vihar emerged as the most polluted area with an AQI of 437, followed by Patparganj at 429, Chandni Chowk at 426, Nehru Nagar at 421, and Vivek Vihar at 418.

Thick smog blanketed major traffic routes, further reducing visibility and complicating commuting conditions.

Authorities have advised residents to restrict outdoor activities, especially during the early morning and late evening, as the dual impact of extreme cold and polluted air continues to envelop the region.