Fog and Smog Blanket Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati; Delhi Air Quality Still Poor

Mumbai: Several Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati, woke up to foggy and hazy conditions on Monday morning, affecting visibility and daily life. In Delhi, air quality remained a concern, with AQI readings ranging from 256 to 337 across different areas. Chandni Chowk recorded the worst levels at 337, falling in the ‘very poor’ category, while Akshardham and ITO were in the ‘poor’ range. Anand Vohar saw an AQI of 320, also in the ‘very poor’ bracket.

The smog and reduced visibility led to flight delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport in the early hours. Authorities have reminded residents to follow Stage I and II guidelines under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to prevent further deterioration. Stage-III restrictions were lifted on Friday after air quality improved due to favourable weather conditions. Construction and demolition activities remain under strict supervision, and operations cannot resume without approval from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Mumbai also experienced hazy conditions, with the Bandra Kurla Complex and Bandra Reclamation reporting AQI at 132 (‘moderate’). In the Northeast, Guwahati woke up to a cold, foggy morning, with AQI at 72 (‘satisfactory’) and temperatures forecasted to drop to 14°C.