The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reimposed Stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR on January 9, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 357 by 4 p.m. The sharp increase from an AQI of 297 on January 8 was attributed to calm winds and foggy conditions, as per a notice issued by CAQM.
The national capital remained engulfed in shallow fog, accompanied by a persistent cold wave. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 5 Degrees Celsius on January 9, with the maximum expected to reach 21 Degrees Celsius, reported HT. This weather shift follows the revocation of GRAP-3 restrictions on January 5, when AQI levels had shown signs of improvement.
Train and Flight Operations Affected
Dense fog disrupted both train and flight operations in Delhi and parts of North India. Indian Railways reported delays in 26 trains heading to the capital on January 10 due to poor visibility, according to ANI.
Similarly, flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) were severely affected, with over 100 delays reported on Friday morning. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) shared updates on X, noting that while landings and takeoffs were continuing for flights equipped with CAT III technology, those without the necessary compliance were delayed.
“While landings and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any convenience caused is deeply regretted,” said DIAL.
CAT III technology allows flights to operate in low-visibility conditions, enabling some level of continuity despite the fog.
Meanwhile, the IMD reported that Delhi's temperature on the morning of January 10 at 5:30 a.m. dipped to 9.6 Degrees Celsius, while the AQI reached 411, placing it in the "severe" category, reported Business Standard.
