Dense fog disrupts air travel in Delhi; 177 flights cancelled

DELHI: Dense fog covered Delhi as the city goes through the winter season, leading to major disruption in air travel. On Saturday, 177 flight services were cancelled, while more than 700 flights were delayed. Due to poor visibility, the Meteorological Department issued an orange alert in several areas. Visibility dropped to zero at Safdarjung.

Authorities have directed fuel stations not to supply fuel to vehicles without a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. On the previous day, fines were imposed on more than 3,700 such vehicles.

Air pollution in the city remains at dangerous levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to stay above 400. AQI levels of 430 were recorded in Anand Vihar and 434 in Vivek Vihar.

Meanwhile, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood announced that air purifiers will be installed in government schools across the city. Steps have been initiated to install air purifiers in 10,000 classrooms initially. The minister added that the plan will be expanded in phases to cover 38,000 classrooms.