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DelhiDestructive air pollution made global headlines this week as heavy smog disrupted flights, forced schools into hybrid mode, and eclipsed the football icon’s highly publicized visit. Lionel Messi,
air quality Conditions in the Indian capital deteriorated rapidly over the weekend, prompting authorities to impose emergency restrictions.
According to official data, several monitoring stations recorded air quality index readings at or near the maximum level of 500 on Monday morning, keeping Delhi in the “severe” category for the third consecutive day.
Dense fog reduced visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport to dangerous levels, leading to cancellation and delay of hundreds of flights.
At least 228 flights were canceled and more than 400 delayed on Monday, according to airline and airport data. Five incoming flights including Indigo and Air were diverted India Warned of continuing disruption.
Messi was also delayed in reaching Delhi for the final leg of his GOAT Tour due to pollution. His chartered flight was scheduled to land before 11 am, but landed just after 2.30 pm, delaying his appearance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium by several hours.
By the time the Argentine star appeared with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, anger over air quality had already taken over. As soon as Ms Gupta stepped on the stage, a section of the crowd in the stadium chanted “AQI, AQI” in reference to the air quality index, the slogans continued till her departure.
According to attendees quoted by local media, they were abused while leaving the venue.
On Monday morning, this crisis also affected the Prime Minister of India. Narendra ModiDepartures for the three-nation trip were delayed by about an hour due to low visibility. A planned meeting between Mr Modi and Messi was canceled due to the footballer’s late arrival.
In recent weeks, several protests have taken place across Delhi over air pollution. People Standing at Jantar Mantar wearing oxygen masks And the police have arrested many people From the demonstration near the protesters India Gate.
Pollution has forced schools to shift to online mode for younger children and hybrid mode for higher classes and authorities have had to suspend construction activity, including public infrastructure projects.
The city has banned the entry of old diesel trucks and urged residents to stay indoors, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular problems.
Foreign missions issued health advisories as the situation worsened. Singapore’s embassy warned its people to limit outdoor activities, wear masks when going out, and monitor airport advisories and offer consular assistance if needed.
India’s pollution watchdog said the sudden drop was caused by high humidity levels and changing wind patterns, which trapped emissions close to the ground, causing haze to accumulate faster.
Home to about 30 million people, Delhi experiences severe pollution almost every winter as cold air traps emissions from vehicles, construction, industry and seasonal crop burning in neighboring states.
With air quality expected to remain poor in the coming days, officials warned that emergency restrictions may remain in place until weather conditions improve.