Chennai Faces Thick Smog on Bhogi Day, Visibility Drops Significantly
On January 13, 2025, Chennai residents woke up to a thick blanket of smog, severely reducing visibility across the city, particularly around Meenambakkam. The phenomenon was especially evident during the early morning hours of Bhogi, a day known for the traditional bonfire celebrations. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, recorded a drastic drop in visibility to just 400 metres at 7 a.m., a significant reduction compared to the usual urban morning haze.
According to officials at the Aerodrome Meteorological Office in Meenambakkam, the dense fog began to settle around 5.30 a.m., gradually thickening as the morning progressed. The thick smog reached its peak between 6.30 and 7.30 a.m., making it difficult for residents and commuters to navigate. Calm winds, with speeds under 5 km/h, contributed to the suspension of smoke particles in the air, leading to a notable decline in air quality. “The low wind speeds on Bhogi morning allowed smoke from the fires to linger longer in the air,” explained V.R. Durai, Director-in-Charge of the Aerodrome Meteorological Office. However, the weather conditions began to improve by 8.30 a.m. when the visibility rose to 1,500 metres, thanks to light rainfall and an increase in wind speed to 10 km/h. By 9.30 a.m., conditions had stabilised further, with visibility improving to 2,000 metres.
This occurrence wasn’t an isolated case. On Bhogi day in 2024, the situation was even worse, with visibility dropping to as low as 50 metres during the same time frame. However, this year, light rain and stronger winds helped disperse the smog more quickly, which prevented any major disruptions to the city’s air traffic operations. The Meenambakkam airport, which requires a minimum of 550 metres visibility for safe flight operations, was not affected, although airlines had rescheduled flights to mitigate any potential delays.
The smog and reduced visibility are not just a nuisance for commuters but also a serious concern for the city’s environmental health. The heavy smog, primarily caused by the burning of materials for the Bhogi bonfires, reflects the growing issue of air pollution in Chennai. This is exacerbated during the winter months when low wind speeds trap pollutants close to the ground, contributing to poor air quality and health issues. While the authorities attempted to address the issue with light rain and improved wind conditions, the long-term solution lies in promoting cleaner and more sustainable practices during festivals. The environmental impact of traditional celebrations like Bhogi can be mitigated through awareness and alternative measures to prevent large-scale burning of materials, which causes not only air pollution but also increases the risk of respiratory ailments.
From a sustainability perspective, while the rainfall provided some temporary relief, the underlying issue of air pollution and waste from traditional practices remains a major concern. The challenge for cities like Chennai, with their rapidly growing population and increasing urbanisation, is to find a balance between preserving cultural traditions and promoting sustainability. Encouraging the use of eco-friendly firecrackers, or even replacing bonfires with cleaner, greener alternatives, could be a step towards reducing pollution during festivals. With air quality being a key indicator of a city’s overall health, ensuring cleaner air during celebratory periods should be a priority for both the public and authorities.
In conclusion, while the visibility and air quality in Chennai showed signs of improvement by mid-morning on Bhogi day, the event highlights the broader issue of pollution that needs to be tackled through both civic engagement and long-term policy changes. The residents of Chennai, along with authorities, must work together to find ways to celebrate festivals without compromising the city’s air quality and environmental health. Sustainable urban planning and greater public awareness about the impact of these practices could pave the way for a cleaner and more eco-conscious future.
