Dense toxic smog engulfed India’s national capital on Monday, pushing air pollution to its worst levels in weeks and severely disrupting travel. More than 40 flights were cancelled, dozens delayed, and over 50 trains ran hours late as visibility dropped sharply. With air quality remaining in the “Severe” category for the second consecutive day, authorities invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, imposing the strictest pollution control measures. Construction activities have been halted, truck movement restricted, and schools shifted to hybrid mode. While emergency steps aim to provide short-term relief, experts warn that Delhi’s chronic winter pollution crisis demands long-term policy solutions.
