Chandigarh airport shut after cloud of dust envelops city; all national, international flights remain suspended

As a cloud of dust hangs over north Indian plains for the fourth day today, all national and international flights from the Chandigarh International Airport were suspended. This was the second day running, owing to low visibility. The Met office has stated that the situation is likely improve late Friday night when there are chances of rainfall.
 
An official at the Chandigarh International Airport told IANS, "All flights remained grounded due to poor viability," adding that all passengers bound for Dubai were transferred to Delhi from Chandigarh via road.
 
Local Met office director Surinder Paul reportedly said that western disturbances were approaching the region which will bring rains either on Friday night or Saturday morning and help improve the situation. Further, he added that the dust will settle down after the rainfall
 
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, air quality deteriorated because of dust storms in western India, particularly Rajasthan, which increased coarser particles in the air. 
 
Authorities, however, have reportedly decided to suspend civil construction works in Delhi and Haryana as part of emergency measures to improve air quality. In Uttar Pradesh, dust storms have reportedly hit various parts, leaving 15 people dead and 28 injured. 
 
As the national capital region struggled with a "severe" dust pollution, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal yesterday ordered stoppage of all civil construction activities across Delhi till Sunday as part of emergency measures that also include intensifying mechanical road sweeping.
 
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A thick blanket of haze has been enveloping Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) for the past few days.