Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) faced significant disruptions on January 10, 2025, as dense fog reduced visibility to near zero and air quality plunged into the ‘severe’ category. The combination of poor weather conditions and alarming pollution levels prompted authorities to issue health advisories and implement emergency measures.
The fog, described by meteorologists as unusually dense for the season, blanketed the region early in the morning, causing widespread transportation delays. Visibility dropped to as low as 50 meters in several areas, affecting road, rail, and air travel. The Indira Gandhi International Airport reported multiple flight delays and diversions, while train schedules were heavily disrupted, leaving passengers stranded at stations. Major highways, including the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and the Yamuna Expressway, witnessed slow-moving traffic and a spate of minor accidents due to poor visibility.
Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi soared into the ‘severe’ category, with levels of PM2.5 — fine particulate matter harmful to human health — exceeding 450 micrograms per cubic meter in some areas. These figures are more than 18 times the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit of 25 micrograms per cubic meter. Experts warned that prolonged exposure to such hazardous conditions could lead to respiratory issues, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Delhi’s winter season is notorious for a toxic combination of factors that contribute to severe air pollution. The city experiences a mix of industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, construction dust, and agricultural stubble burning from neighboring states, all of which become trapped close to the ground due to stagnant atmospheric conditions. The dense fog further compounds these issues, creating a thick layer of smog that severely limits visibility and aggravates pollution levels.
The Indian Meteorological Department attributed the current conditions to high humidity, low wind speeds, and cooler temperatures, which create an inversion layer that prevents pollutants from dispersing. The department also predicted that the fog and poor air quality would persist for the next two to three days, with gradual improvement expected as temperatures rise and wind speeds increase.
Authorities have stepped in to mitigate the crisis. The Delhi government has suspended all construction activities, a key contributor to air pollution, and extended its directive for schools to conduct online classes. Residents have been advised to stay indoors, especially during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels peak. Those venturing outdoors are urged to wear high-quality N95 masks for protection.
Public health experts have stressed the importance of immediate action to address the root causes of the crisis. Measures such as enforcing stricter vehicular emission standards, improving public transportation, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels are essential to tackle the chronic air quality issues faced by Delhi and its surrounding regions.
The current combination of dense fog and severe air pollution highlights the ongoing environmental and public health challenges faced by Delhi-NCR. As residents grapple with the immediate impact on daily life, the situation underscores the urgent need for long-term, coordinated efforts to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the region.
