New Delhi: Dense fog and thick toxic smog sharply reduced visibility in the national capital, leading to the reported cancellation of over 95 flights at Delhi’s
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Sunday morning. The disruption highlights the growing impact of worsening air quality on daily life in the city. Despite GRAP Stage IV measures being in place, there has been little to no relief from rising pollution levels. The persistent smog continues to affect transport, public health and overall visibility across Delhi. Amid the deteriorating conditions, residents and political leaders across India have renewed calls to protect the Aravalli hills, especially after the Supreme Court accepted the Centre’s definition of the Aravalli range on November 20. Environmentalists have warned that allowing “sustainable mining” in the Aravallis could backfire, as the hills act as a critical natural barrier protecting the national capital from desertification, dust storms and increasing pollution.
Delhi Flight Status
According to Times Now sources, 48 arriving and 49 departing flights were cancelled on Sunday. On Saturday, more than 120 flights were called off, affecting travel to key destinations such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and other major cities. Passengers have been advised to check flight status or contact airlines before heading to the airport.Also Read: Watch Ghaziabad Mall’s Filmy Proposal: Man Declares Love with Ring, Sindoor, Mangalsutra; Woman Says...
Apart from flights, trains, buses and other modes of public transport are also running late. People stepping out of their homes are complaining of cold winds and difficulty in driving due to poor visibility.
Delhi AQI
The Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 392 on Sunday morning, with 16 monitoring stations recording levels close to 400. Civic authorities’ efforts, including water sprinkling, have had little impact. Even with GRAP Stage IV in force across Delhi-NCR, residents continue to suffer as hazardous air blankets the city almost daily.
The worsening air quality has led to a spike in respiratory complaints, with many residents avoiding outdoor movement to limit exposure. Former Delhi cabinet minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged manipulation of AQI data, claiming actual pollution levels are far higher than officially reported and calling for a scientific approach to tackling the crisis.
Aravalli Hills New Definition
Over the years, the Aravallis have faced severe degradation due to illegal mining, real estate construction, deforestation and infrastructure projects, especially in parts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi-NCR. Large areas have been cleared or flattened, weakening the range’s ability to block dust from the Thar Desert and worsening air pollution in cities like Delhi.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Singhvi said, "The Aravallis are North India’s climate shield. Their destruction fuels Delhi’s heatwaves, air pollution and water stress. Climate change is not abstract, it is being accelerated by policy silence and ecological vandalism. Ignore the Aravallis, and Delhi will keep paying the price. #SaveAravalli".
On November 20, the Supreme Court accepted the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges as per the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. A bench of former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai pronounced was listening to the case and passed the judgement. The apex court also accepted the recommendations for sustainable mining in the Aravalli Hills and the steps to be taken for preventing illegal mining.
The three-judge bench directed the ministry to prepare a Management Plant for Sustainable Mining (MPSM), to "identify permissible areas for mining, ecologically sensitive, conservation-critical and restoration-priority areas within the Aravali landscape where mining shall be strictly prohibited or permitted only under exceptional and scientifically justified circumstances; incorporate a thorough analysis of cumulative environmental impacts and the ecological carrying 15 capacity of the region; and include detailed post-mining restoration and rehabilitation measures."
Delhi is currently in need of strict action to control the air pollution, which is surviving in Delhi difficult by each passing day.
