New Delhi: Delhi woke up to a cold wave and dense fog on Christmas morning, drastically reducing visibility and causing temperatures to dip. The Indian Meteorological Department recorded a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, and areas like Kartavya Path, Janpath, Dwarka, and India Gate were shrouded in thick fog, making it difficult to see.

Visibility in the city was recorded at just 100 meters at 5:30 am due to the dense fog. Locals expressed concern about the weather conditions, with many resorting to bonfires for warmth.

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Mohammad Javed Ansari, a local resident, mentioned that people were using bonfires to stay warm as the cold intensified. "The temperature has dropped down a lot due to the rain that took place yesterday. We have to use bonfires to keep ourselves warm," Ansari said.

Another local echoed similar sentiments, describing the conditions as harsh. "It has become very cold, and there is barely any visibility," the local said, highlighting the difficulty in moving around due to the fog.

Air quality remains 'very poor' in Delhi

Meanwhile, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continued to be a major concern. At 8 am, the AQI was recorded at 333, falling into the 'very poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Other parts of the city also saw similar AQI levels: Anand Vihar recorded 360, Ashok Vihar 372, Bayana 362, and CRRI Mathura Road 324.

The AQI scale ranges from 0-50 (good) to 401-500 (severe). With levels in the 'very poor' range, locals have expressed their growing concerns about the health impact of such pollution.

Health impact and calls for a permanent solution

Deepak Pandey, another local, pointed out the harsh effects of both the cold and the pollution. "The pollution and the winters both have become very harsh. It is taking a toll on people as they are suffering from breathing difficulties," Pandey said.

Another resident suggested that the government needs to find a long-term solution to the pollution problem. "The pollution has reduced a bit due to the rain, however, the government needs to find a permanent solution to this," said the local.

On December 24, moderate rain hit the city, further amplifying the winter chill and adding to the ongoing weather challenges. As Delhi continues to battle both the cold wave and poor air quality, residents are hoping for better conditions in the days to come.