On Monday morning, a minimum of four air quality monitoring stations in Delhi recorded an air quality index of 500.
Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 457 at 6 am, based on data from the Air Quality Early Warning System, and improved to 410 by 8:05 pm, according to the CPCB.
Dense smog blanketed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday, sharply reducing visibility and disrupting flight operations at the national capital.
Delhi AQI today | 5 key points
- AQI touches 500 at several locations:
Delhi’s air quality, already in the ‘severe’ category over the weekend, deteriorated further on Monday. At least four monitoring stations Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Rohini and Wazipur recorded an AQI of 500 around 7 am, the highest level on the CPCB scale. Since the index does not measure beyond 500, actual pollution levels may have been even higher. By 8 pm on Sunday, 26 of the 39 active stations continued to report ‘severe’ or ‘severe-plus’ air quality. An AQI above 400 is classified as ‘severe’, while readings of 450 and above fall under ‘severe-plus’, indicating extremely hazardous conditions. - 228 flights cancelled, over 400 delayed:
Poor visibility caused by the dense smog led to major disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport. A total of 228 flights including 131 departures and 97 arrivals were cancelled on Monday morning, while more than 400 flights were delayed. At least five incoming flights were diverted, officials said. - Messi’s Delhi visit delayed:
Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s arrival in Delhi for the final leg of his G.O.A.T Tour was delayed after his Mumbai–Delhi flight was held up for several hours due to low visibility, PTI reported. He was scheduled to arrive before 11 am but eventually landed after 2 pm. - Schools to go fully online till Class 5:
In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi government ordered fully online classes for students up to Class 5. The decision comes a day after Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was enforced. Schools had earlier been allowed to operate in a hybrid mode, but authorities tightened restrictions as pollution levels rose further. - Singapore issues advisory for its nationals:
The Singapore High Commission in India issued an advisory urging its citizens in Delhi-NCR to remain indoors, wear masks when stepping out, and follow airport and airline advisories due to reduced visibility. Contact details were also shared for those requiring consular assistance.
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