Delhi Engulfed by Dense Fog: Travel Chaos and Air Quality Concerns
Published on January 11, 2025
Delhi and its surrounding regions have been grappling with severe fog conditions, causing meaningful disruptions to daily life and transportation. On Friday, January 10, visibility dropped to zero in several areas, including Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida, leading to delays for over 100 flights and numerous train services.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued multiple advisories late Friday night, urging passengers to check their flight statuses with their respective airlines. The airport emphasized that flights not equipped with CAT III technology, which enables operations in low-visibility conditions, were particularly affected.
Air Quality Worsens Amid Foggy Conditions
The dense fog has exacerbated Delhi’s already poor air quality. on Friday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 409, categorizing it as “severe.” By the afternoon, it slightly improved to 397, still falling under the ”very poor” category.According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 301 and 400 is considered “very poor,” while anything above 400 is classified as “severe.”
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Centre’s panel on Delhi-NCR’s air quality reimposed Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Thursday. This includes stricter anti-pollution measures to combat the rising pollution levels caused by unfavorable weather conditions.
Weather Forecast and Regional Impact
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 17.6°C and a minimum of 6°C on Friday, both slightly below normal. The IMD also predicted cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms over the weekend, accompanied by dense fog in the mornings.
The foggy conditions were not limited to Delhi. Punjab and haryana experienced similar challenges, with Amritsar reporting zero visibility due to dense fog. Other affected areas included Ludhiana, Patiala, Chandigarh, Ambala, hisar, and Karnal.
Accidents and Safety Concerns
The reduced visibility has led to multiple accidents across the region. In Hapur’s Babugarh area, a collision involving seven vehicles left three people injured. In a separate incident in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur, a UPSRTC bus collided with a truck amid dense fog, resulting in the deaths of the bus driver and conductor.
Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution while traveling and to stay updated on weather and traffic advisories. The combination of fog and poor air quality has created a hazardous habitat, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Flight and Train Delays: Over 100 flights and several trains were delayed due to zero visibility in delhi and surrounding areas.
- Air Quality: delhi’s AQI reached “severe” levels, prompting the reimposition of Stage 3 GRAP measures.
- Weather Forecast: Light rain,thunderstorms,and dense fog are expected over the weekend.
- Regional Impact: Punjab and Haryana also experienced severe fog, with zero visibility in Amritsar.
- Safety Concerns: Multiple accidents were reported due to poor visibility, including a fatal collision in Sultanpur.
As Delhi navigates these challenging conditions, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
What advice would you give to Delhi residents to protect themselves during this foggy and polluted period?
Interview with Dr. Ananya Sharma, Environmental Scientist and Air Quality Expert
Conducted by Archyde News on January 11, 2025
Archyde News (AN): Good morning, Dr. Sharma. Thank you for joining us today.Delhi is currently facing one of its worst fog episodes in recent years, with visibility dropping to zero in some areas. As an environmental scientist, can you explain what’s causing this dense fog and its connection to air quality?
dr. Ananya Sharma (AS): Good morning, and thank you for having me. The dense fog we’re witnessing is a combination of meteorological and environmental factors. During winter, the temperature inversion phenomenon traps cold air close to the ground, preventing pollutants from dispersing. This, coupled with high humidity levels, leads to the formation of dense fog. However, what makes this fog particularly hazardous is the high concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other pollutants, which get trapped in the fog. essentially, the fog acts as a blanket, holding these pollutants close to the surface, worsening air quality and creating a toxic mix that’s harmful to health.
AN: That’s concerning. How does this fog-pollution combination impact public health, especially in a densely populated city like Delhi?
AS: The health impacts are severe and multifaceted.Prolonged exposure to such polluted air can lead to respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).It also exacerbates cardiovascular problems and can cause eye irritation, headaches, and fatigue. Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, are at higher risk. Additionally, the fog reduces visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents on roads and railways, further compounding the public health crisis.
AN: The Indira Gandhi International airport has reported notable disruptions, with over 100 flights delayed or canceled. How does this fog affect aviation operations, and what measures can airports take to mitigate such disruptions?
AS: Aviation is particularly vulnerable to dense fog as it severely limits visibility, making takeoffs and landings extremely risky. Airports like IGI are equipped with CAT III Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), which allow flights to operate in low-visibility conditions. However, not all aircraft or pilots are certified for CAT III operations, leading to delays and cancellations. To mitigate such disruptions, airports need to invest in advanced technology, ensure more pilots are trained for CAT III operations, and improve coordination with meteorological departments for real-time weather updates. Additionally, airlines should proactively communicate with passengers to minimize inconvenience.
AN: What long-term solutions do you recommend to address the recurring issue of fog and air pollution in Delhi?
AS: The solution lies in a multi-pronged approach. First, we need to tackle the root cause of air pollution by reducing emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction activities. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources, promoting public transportation, and enforcing stricter emission norms are critical steps. Second, urban planning must incorporate green spaces and water bodies, which can help improve air quality and reduce the intensity of fog. public awareness campaigns are essential to encourage behavioral changes, such as reducing waste burning and using masks during high-pollution days.
AN: Do you think climate change is playing a role in exacerbating these conditions?
AS: Absolutely. Climate change is altering weather patterns, leading to more extreme and unpredictable conditions. Winters are becoming colder and longer in some regions, while humidity levels are rising due to changing precipitation patterns. These factors contribute to the formation of dense fog. Additionally, climate change is intensifying air pollution by increasing the frequency of wildfires and dust storms, which add to the particulate matter in the atmosphere.Addressing climate change through global and local efforts is crucial to mitigating these challenges.
AN: Thank you, dr. Sharma, for your insights. Before we conclude, what advice would you give to Delhi residents to protect themselves during this foggy and polluted period?
AS: My advice would be to stay indoors as much as possible, especially during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels are highest. If you must go out, wear an N95 or N99 mask to filter out harmful particles. Use air purifiers at home and keep windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering. Stay hydrated and monitor air quality indices through reliable apps or websites. Lastly, if you experiance any health issues, seek medical attention promptly.
AN: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for sharing your expertise with us. We hope the situation improves soon, and your recommendations will certainly help our readers navigate these challenging conditions.
AS: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.
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End of Interview
This interview was conducted by Archyde News on January 11, 2025. For more updates on the fog situation in Delhi and its impact, stay tuned to Archyde.
