A thick layer of smog enveloped Delhi on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunging to 361 at 8 a.m., placing the city in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that pollution reduced visibility to as low as 100 meters (328 feet) in some areas by 8 a.m.

“Low visibility procedures” were initiated at the city’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, operator Delhi International Airport Limited said in a post on social media platform X.

“While landing and takeoffs continue at Delhi Airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected,” the authority said.

AQI levels were nearing the ‘severe’ category in several areas, with Anand Vihar recording a level of 399, Punjabi Bagh at 382, and Ashok Vihar at 376.

The Supreme Court on Monday said that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih criticized authorities for failing to enforce the ban on firecrackers during Diwali, saying that such activities exacerbate pollution and violate citizens’ fundamental right to health.

The court emphasized that no religion endorses actions that contribute to environmental harm. “The right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right of every citizen, which is protected by Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Prima facie, we are of the view that no religion encourages any activity that creates pollution or compromises the health of people. If firecrackers are burnt in this fashion, it also affects the fundamental right to health of the citizens,” the bench stated.

(With inputs from agencies)