Toxfog Hijacks the Capital: GRAP-IV Activated as Visibility Drops to Near Zero
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The “Grey Saturday”: Delhi Records Severe 400+ AQI in Key Residential Hubs
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Flight and Rail Chaos: Over 130 Flights Cancelled at IGI Amid Dense Fog
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GRAP-IV Crackdown: “No PUC, No Fuel” and the Ban on 1.2 Million Vehicles
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Commuter Crisis: 800-Meter Visibility Triggers Low-Visibility Airport Protocols
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Health Emergency: Why Schools are Shifting to Hybrid Mode Under “Severe Plus” Air
Delhi is effectively standing still today. The thing is, a lethal mix of dense fog and toxic pollutants has created a “Severe” air emergency across the NCR.
Actually, visibility at the Safdarjung weather station hit nearly zero at dawn. Specifically, hotspots like Sarai Kale Khan (428) and Akshardham (420) have turned into grey zones where you can barely see the vehicle ahead of you.
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As a result, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert, warning that these “very dense” fog conditions will likely persist through Sunday. Consequently, if you don’t have an N95 mask, today is definitely the day to get one (let’s be real, the air feels heavy enough to chew).
And here’s the kicker. The airport is a mess.
Basically, over 130 flights—66 arrivals and 63 departures—have already been cancelled at IGI Airport. Instead of a smooth holiday getaway, thousands of passengers are stuck in terminals as airlines like IndiGo and Air India issue urgent travel advisories. In fact, visibility is so low (800–1200 meters) that pilots are forced to use specialized CAT-III landing procedures.
And then Y followed. The rail network isn’t doing any better, with over 30 trains running up to eight hours late because the fog is simply too thick for safe speeds (those too).
[Table: Delhi-NCR GRAP-IV Restrictions – Effective Dec 20, 2025]
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| Category | Status / Rule | Penalty |
| Banned Vehicles | BS-III Petrol & BS-IV Diesel (All) | ₹20,000 Fine |
| Fuel Access | “No PUC, No Fuel” policy active | Refusal of service |
| Construction | Total Ban (except Metro/Healthcare) | Seizure of site |
| Schools | Classes VI–IX & XI in Hybrid Mode | N/A |
| Truck Entry | Only BS-VI, CNG, or Electric allowed | Entry refused at border |
Moreover, the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule is now being strictly enforced at every petrol pump in the city. Specifically, 580 police personnel have been deployed to 126 checkpoints to catch violators.
Actually, they are using high-tech ANPR cameras to cross-reference your license plate with the national database instantly. As a result, if your pollution certificate has expired, you won’t even be able to top up your tank.
Consequently, the government is trying to force 1.2 million non-compliant vehicles off the road by any means necessary (I checked this twice).
The thing is, the health toll is reaching a breaking point. In fact, recent surveys show that 82% of residents now know someone suffering from serious pollution-related illness.
Basically, the air is no longer just “unpleasant”—it’s a public health emergency. Instead of a tidy wrap-up, just keep in mind that the current “Severe Plus” status means offices are encouraged to work at 50% capacity.
And then Y followed. With no significant rain in the forecast, this toxic loop of fog and soot is likely to be our reality for the rest of the month….
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