Translated with AI
Thick smog caused by high levels of air pollution in the Indian capital has delayed more than 250 flights at Delhi airports, the Hindustan Times reports.
In addition, 22 more flights were cancelled due to poor visibility.
According to the latest data, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi stands at 358, which equates to hazardous levels of pollution. This level of pollution poses a serious health risk to residents and is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and people with chronic respiratory conditions.
Starting Thursday, December 18, Delhi authorities introduced temporary measures to combat air pollution. These include switching office workers to a hybrid work schedule and temporarily banning certain categories of vehicles from entering the city.
The introduction of these measures is aimed at reducing the concentration of harmful substances in the air and improving visibility on the roads, which will reduce the number of accidents and transport disruptions.
Delhi's air quality situation is traditionally worse during the winter due to a combination of industrial emissions, vehicular traffic, and weather conditions that contribute to smog accumulation.
City authorities are urging residents to take precautions, limit their time outdoors whenever possible, and use personal respiratory protective equipment.
