Delhi Cold Wave: A severe cold wave has gripped north India, including Delhi, with dense fog enveloping the region and temperatures continuing to drop. Friday morning saw Delhi’s minimum temperature fall to 9.6°C, marking the fifth consecutive cold day. Visibility in parts of the capital dropped to near zero, causing significant disruptions to travel and daily routines.
At Palam Airport, visibility was reduced to zero, while Safdarjung Airport reported just 50 meters. While commercial flights continued to operate, airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India experienced delays, with passengers reporting hold-ups ranging from 5 to 11 minutes. Flights to Amritsar and Guwahati were especially affected.
In light of the thick fog, Delhi airport authorities issued an advisory, warning that flights not compliant with CAT III (Category III Instrument Landing System) would be impacted. In a post on social media platform X, the airport stated, “While landings and take-offs continue at Delhi airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may face delays.” Passengers were advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information.
Train Delays Due to Low Visibility
The dense fog also caused major delays in train services, with over two dozen trains departing from Delhi running behind schedule. The Ayodhya Express was delayed by four hours, and the Gorakhdham Express was running two hours late.
Cold Wave Across North India
The cold wave extended across the northern states. Lucknow recorded a chilly 8°C, while Jaipur saw a temperature of 10.2°C. In Srinagar, the temperature dropped to -1.3°C, with snowfall disrupting air travel.
In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited a winter shelter near Jaipur’s Gandhinagar Railway Station, where he distributed blankets to those in need, reassuring residents that adequate arrangements had been made. “No one should face difficulty in this weather,” he said.
Relief for the Homeless
In Delhi, night shelters have become crucial for the homeless. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents to provide warmth and shelter. Locations like AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin Flyover are housing hundreds of people seeking refuge from the cold.
“I’m grateful for this shelter,” said a young man at a night home near Lodhi Road. “Without it, I don’t know how I’d survive the night.” Bonfires at street corners also provided some comfort to those braving the outdoors.
Fog and Pollution: A Double Burden
The fog wasn’t the only issue. Delhi’s air quality worsened, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 348, categorized as “very poor.” The heavy smog added to the discomfort for residents already struggling with the bitter cold.
