Delhi Pollution LIVE Updates: 40 flights cancelled, over 300 delayed as thick blanket of smog covers National Capital, schools switch to hybrid mode

Children exposed to toxic air require strong nutritional support, including antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, adequate hydration, and foods high in vitamins C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids.

More than 40 flights cancelled from Delhi Airport due to fog Air India flights cancelled so far: • AI2767 / 2768 • AI1787 / 1872 • AI1721 / 1837 • AI1701 / 1806 • AI1725 / 1860 • AI1745 / 1890 • AI1797 / 1838 • AI1703 / 1884 • AI2653 / 2808 • AI2469 / 2470 • AI866 • AI1737 / 1820 • AI1719 / 1844 • AI1785 / 1851 • AI2495 / 2496 • AI1715 / 1816 • AI3313 / 3314 • AI881 / 882 • AI2465 / 2880

According to the pollution board, air quality is categorised as 'moderate' when the AQI ranges between 101 and 200, 'poor' between 201 and 300, and 'very poor' between 301 and 400. When the AQI exceeds 400, air quality is classified as 'severe'.

Pollution levels remained alarming across multiple monitoring stations. In the Akshardham area, the AQI was recorded at 493, which falls under the 'severe' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Shila Yadav, a health expert, told PTI that with AQI levels hovering between 300 and 400, and even breaching 450, people should avoid outdoor walking or exercise, particularly in the morning hours. She added that while physical activity should not be stopped, it should be moved indoors to prevent fine particulate matter like PM2.5 from penetrating deep into the lungs.

On Sunday, 38 of 39 functional monitoring stations showed 'severe’ or 'severe-plus’ readings for long stretches. At Wazirpur, Rohini and Ashok Vihar, the 24-hour average AQI touched 500, which is the maximum that instruments record.

Delhi woke up on Monday to another day of choking pollution, with the citywide air quality index at 493 at 7 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.

In a letter to the chief secretaries of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, the Commission discussed its concern that "some schools and institutions in Delhi-NCR were still holding outdoor sports activities" despite earlier directions issued in line with a Supreme Court order dated November 19.

Outdoor activities are discouraged, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

Under GRAP Stage-IV, authorities typically impose emergency restrictions including a ban on most construction and demolition activities, curbs on the entry of non-essential diesel trucks into Delhi, restrictions on certain categories of vehicles, and advisories for offices to reduce physical attendance through work-from-home or staggered timings.

The decision comes as authorities tightened curbs under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), triggered by a sharp deterioration in air quality across the national capital.

The directive applies to government, government-aided and unaided recognised private schools under the DoE, NDMC, MCD and the Delhi Cantonment Board.

Delhi and Noida schools shift to online and hybrid classes for students