Delhi, North India: Dense fog disrupts travel.

Post by: Dr. Amrinder Pal Singh

Image credit-NDTV

New Delhi and several parts of North India are grappling with a severe bout of dense fog, prompting authorities to issue a red alert in regions including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. The dense fog has led to a cascade of disruptions, particularly in the realm of transportation. The national capital, Delhi, is facing substantial delays and cancellations in both flight and train schedules, impacting the lives of residents and travelers.

At the Delhi airport, the dense fog resulted in the delay of more than 100 flights and the cancellation of a few, causing considerable inconvenience to passengers. The thick blanket of fog significantly reduced visibility, with the minimum recorded at a mere 150 meters. The adverse weather conditions also took a toll on railway operations, with 11 Delhi-bound trains experiencing delays.

International and domestic flights bore the brunt of the fog-induced disruptions, with approximately 134 flights facing delays. The international departures and arrivals were particularly affected, numbering 35 and 28, respectively. On the domestic front, 43 departures and 28 arrivals were also impacted. The situation extended beyond the airport to the New Delhi Railway Station, where 22 trains faced delays, leaving commuters stranded in the biting cold.

Despite a marginal improvement in air quality in Delhi, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 356, the city continues to grapple with poor air quality. The AQI is expected to linger in the "very poor" category for the next two days. The challenging weather conditions are further exacerbated by the persistent dense fog, which has engulfed North India, affecting regions in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and northwest Madhya Pradesh. The impact of the fog is evident in low visibility conditions, resulting in traffic disruptions and a rise in accidents.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended its warning, forecasting dense fog over Haryana and Punjab for the next five days. Uttar Pradesh is also expected to experience dense fog for the next three days, prompting the UP State Road Transport Corporation to issue guidelines for bus operations during low visibility conditions.

The Delhi Airport Authority has issued an advisory, cautioning that flights not compliant with CAT III standards may face disruptions. The IMD has not only highlighted the impact on transportation but also underscored potential health risks associated with dense fog. The presence of particulate matter and pollutants in the dense fog poses a threat to respiratory health, necessitating precautions and public awareness.

The INSAT imagery released by the Met department has provided a visual representation of the dense fog layer over North India. This meteorological phenomenon has further intensified the challenges faced by residents, travelers, and authorities alike. As the dense fog persists, the region continues to grapple with a complex web of disruptions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact on daily life and critical infrastructure.

In conclusion, the dense fog affecting New Delhi and parts of North India has created a multifaceted crisis, disrupting transportation, causing flight and train delays, and posing health risks due to poor air quality. As authorities work to manage the situation, residents and travelers must navigate through the challenges posed by the persistent fog, highlighting the importance of preparedness and awareness in dealing with such weather-related crises.

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