New Delhi, 28 December (H.S.): Thick smog and dense fog engulfed India's national capital on Sunday morning, drastically reducing visibility at iconic sites like India Gate and Kartavya Path while disrupting rail services across northern India.

Morning visuals from these landmarks revealed a hazardous haze trapping pollutants, with New Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering in the very poor to severe range, including readings around 303 at India Gate and up to 542 overall.

Northern Railway reported multiple trains running late from New Delhi Railway Station due to persistent winter fog and smog, echoing patterns seen in recent days with over 65 trains delayed across the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of ongoing low-visibility conditions from calm winds and cold temperatures around 12°C, trapping fine particulate matter like PM2.5 at hazardous levels of 345µg/m³.

Authorities invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcing construction curbs and the No PUC, No Fuel rule to combat emissions amid forecasts of prolonged foggy weather. Passengers faced hours-long delays on key routes, while health experts urged minimizing outdoor exposure in the toxic air.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar