Delhi Suffers Record-Breaking Smog, Flights and Trains Grounded as Health Crisis Escalates

Dense toxic smog blanketed India’s national capital Monday, pushing air pollution levels to their worst in weeks, disrupting travel and prompting authorities to enforce strict containment measures.

Smog and Pollution Levels

The Central Pollution Control Board reported index readings above 450 at several monitoring stations on Sunday, up from 430 on Saturday and the highest so far this winter season. Monday’s reading stood at 449. Readings below 50 are considered good, and during periods of severe pollution the government advises people to stay indoors and wear N95 masks. The government labels a “severe” level as capable of causing respiratory effects in healthy people and serious health impacts for those with heart or lung disease.

Impact on Travel

More than 40 flights were cancelled and several dozen were delayed. Over 50 trains arriving and departing from New Delhi were delayed by several hours, authorities said. The smog has grounded much of the city’s air and rail traffic, forcing commuters to seek alternative routes.

Health Concerns

Hospitals reported an influx of patients with breathing difficulties and eye irritation. “New Delhi is a gas chamber right now. Air purifiers can help only a bit, so it’s high time the government comes up with some permanent solutions” said Naresh Dang, a physician at Max Healthcare. The government advises people to avoid going outdoors as much as possible and to wear N95 masks when outside, especially children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with pre‑existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Government Measures

To stem pollution, authorities banned construction activities and restricted the use of diesel generators and cars. Water sprinklers were deployed to control the haze. Schools and offices allowed many students and workers to stay home. The government has also issued the strictest containment measures to protect public health.

Long‑Term Challenges

Environmentalists say the country’s air pollution crisis requires long‑term changes. New Delhi and its surrounding region, home to more than 30 million people, routinely rank among the world’s most polluted. India has six of the world’s 10 most polluted cities, and New Delhi is the most polluted national capital, according to a report from Switzerland‑based IQAir earlier this year. Winter smog worsens as farmers burn crop residue in nearby states, cooler temperatures trap the smoke, and pollution from vehicles, construction and industrial emissions mixes together. Pollution levels often reach 20 times higher than the World Health Organization’s safe limit. “Delhi’s air doesn’t get cleaner at all, we only see it visibly from October to December, but the reality is that it remains polluted through the year,” said Vimlendu Jha, a Delhi‑based environmentalist.

Public Response

Earlier this month, residents of New Delhi staged protests to express frustration and anger about the government’s failure to address pollution. A study last year by the medical journal Lancet linked long‑term exposure to polluted air to 1.5 million additional deaths every year in India. “Deaths related to air pollution are not being counted. And the reason why it’s not being counted is because there are no systematic mechanisms to do so,” said Shweta Narayan, a campaign lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance.

Experimental Efforts

In October, Indian authorities carried out a controversial cloud‑seeding experiment over smog‑choked New Delhi to induce rainfall and clear the city’s toxic air. The experiment ended without rainfall.

Arasu reported from Bengaluru, India. AP video journalist Piyush Nagpal contributed to the report.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi’s smog reached an index of 449 on Monday, grounding flights and trains.
• Health warnings urged residents to stay indoors and wear N95 masks, especially vulnerable groups.
• Long‑term solutions are needed, as pollution remains high year‑round and a cloud‑seeding experiment failed to produce rain.

The crisis highlights the urgent need for sustained action to improve Delhi’s air quality and protect public health.