The air pollution in the national capital plunged further in the hours leading to Monday morning, prompting authorities to impose measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
On Sunday at 7 pm, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 457 by 7 pm.
The Delhi government has suspended in-person classes for all except for students of classes 10 and 12. There is also a ban on trucks from entering Delhi, except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, except for electric vehicles and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.
Also read: GRAP-IV curbs to be imposed in Delhi from Monday as air quality turns ‘severe+’
Delhi also witnessed the season's lowest daytime temperature on Sunday as mercury dipped to 27.2 degrees Celsius -- the lowest daytime temperature of the season.
The weather department has issued an Orange Alert for Monday. "Dense to very dense fog is likely over Delhi-NCR during the morning hours of Monday," the India Meteorological Department said.
The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to settle at 27 and 17 degrees Celsius, it said.
Airport advisory
Low visibility procedures are in place at the Delhi International Airport. However, flight operations are normal so far.
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said on Sunday night that low visibility procedures are in place at the airport. "Low visibility procedures are in progress at Delhi airport. All flight operations are normal at present," Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a post on X.
It also advised passengers to contact the airlines concerned for updated flight information.
Indigo too has issued an advisory that flights may be delayed due to fog affecting visibility. "#6ETravelAdvisory: Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow moving traffic and delays in flight schedules," IndiGo said in a post on X at 11.44 pm.
DIAL handles around 1,400 flight movements daily.
Polluted Yamuna
Toxic foam was seen on the Yamuna River in Kalindi Kunj on Monday morning too, with residents nearby complaining of breathing difficulties. A resident Ramashish Paswan told ANI that the air pollution)causes burning in the eyes, breathing difficulties, cough and cold. "Pollution is very high here. Water is polluted too. We are habituated now. But someone new won't be able to stay here, they would fall ill immediately," he added.