A thick blanket of dense fog engulfed Delhi and its neighboring cities on Monday, bringing visibility to zero in several places and causing widespread disruptions to daily life. The phenomenon, typical of the winter season in northern India, has created challenges for commuters, delayed flights and trains, and raised concerns about road safety.
Zero Visibility in Parts of Delhi-NCR
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the dense fog reduced visibility to zero meters in some areas, including parts of central and east Delhi. In the early hours of the morning, several parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), such as Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, were similarly affected, creating hazardous conditions for travel.
An IMD official explained, “The dense fog is the result of a combination of low temperatures, high humidity levels, and calm winds, which are typical of this time of year in northern India. Visibility is expected to remain poor until the sun rises and dissipates the fog later in the day.”
Impact on Transportation
- Flight Operations:
- At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, multiple flights were delayed due to poor visibility, with airlines advising passengers to check for updates before heading to the airport.
- Runway operations were impacted despite the use of advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), which allow landings in low-visibility conditions.
- Train Services:
- Rail traffic across northern India was severely disrupted, with over 20 trains delayed, some by several hours. Long-distance trains to and from Delhi faced significant delays, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
- Road Traffic:
- The dense fog led to a spike in accidents on highways and major roads, with reduced visibility making driving perilous. In one reported incident on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, a multi-vehicle collision occurred due to poor visibility, leaving several injured.
- Police across Delhi and NCR issued advisories urging motorists to drive with caution, use fog lights, and maintain safe distances between vehicles.
Health and Environmental Concerns
The fog also exacerbated Delhi’s already poor air quality, with particulate matter (PM2.5) levels remaining dangerously high. The dense fog traps pollutants near the ground, leading to a phenomenon known as fog smog, which poses significant health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a pulmonologist at a leading Delhi hospital, advised residents to limit outdoor activities and use masks to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. “The combination of cold air and high pollution levels can worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, should take extra precautions,” he said.
IMD Forecast and Advisory
The IMD has predicted that dense to very dense fog conditions will persist across parts of northern India, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, over the next two days. Minimum temperatures in Delhi are expected to hover around 6-7°C, further contributing to the foggy conditions.
The weather department has issued the following advisories:
- Avoid non-essential travel, particularly during early morning and late-night hours.
- Use fog lights and drive slowly to ensure safety on the roads.
- Monitor updates from airlines and railway authorities for travel disruptions.
Commuters and Residents React
For Delhi residents, the dense fog brought both challenges and a sense of seasonal charm. While commuters struggled with delays and traffic snarls, some embraced the winter chill and picturesque fog-covered landscapes.
“It’s difficult to get to work with such poor visibility, but this is also part of Delhi’s winter experience,” said Ramesh Gupta, a commuter traveling to Noida. Others, however, expressed frustration with the lack of adequate road safety measures and delays in transportation.
Broader Implications
Fog-related disruptions in Delhi-NCR highlight the need for better infrastructure and preparedness to handle adverse weather conditions. Experts have called for enhanced fog management systems, including better lighting on highways, more advanced navigation aids at airports, and real-time monitoring of train operations.
Conclusion
The dense fog wrapping Delhi and nearby cities serves as a reminder of the unique challenges posed by winter in northern India. While the season brings a sense of nostalgia and beauty, it also underscores the importance of safety measures and infrastructural readiness to mitigate its impacts.
As residents navigate through foggy mornings and chilly nights, vigilance, and caution will remain key to ensuring safety on the roads and in public spaces. With the IMD’s forecast predicting a continuation of these conditions, Delhi-NCR must brace for more foggy days ahead.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.