Dense Fog in Delhi Disrupts Transportation as Air Quality Deteriorates
Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of dense fog early this Saturday, causing severe disruptions to daily life and transportation across the capital. The fog, accompanied by cold northwesterly winds from the Himalayas, reduced visibility to dangerously low levels, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording temperatures at 11.2°C at 5:30 am.
The dense fog, however, wasn’t just a weather inconvenience—it significantly impacted air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) pegged at 350, categorising the air as “very poor” according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marked another day of hazardous air conditions, as Delhi’s AQI remained at similar levels the previous day. For many residents, this has become a recurring concern, as poor air quality continues to affect both daily activities and public health.
The fog’s effect on transportation was immediate and widespread. Many commuters faced delays as the thick mist impaired visibility on the roads and railways, adding to the already congested traffic. The capital’s vast metro system, which normally provides swift and reliable travel, also faced challenges. Reduced visibility led to slower driving speeds and longer commute times, while several flights and trains were delayed or diverted, further compounding the daily struggles of thousands of people. Public infrastructure, already stretched due to the increasing population and urbanisation of the capital, now faces yet another challenge—weather-related disruptions. With limited public transport options and an already overburdened road network, the fog makes it even more difficult for residents to go about their daily routines. Those most affected by these disruptions are the working class and daily wage earners, who rely on punctuality for their livelihoods.
Furthermore, the chilly conditions and worsening air quality forced many residents, particularly those from vulnerable communities, to seek shelter in night homes. Tinku Kumar, a caretaker at one of the shelters, spoke to ANI, explaining, “We have 20 beds for the people. All of them have been provided with food and blankets, including medicines.” These shelters become a refuge for many during the cold spells and poor air quality days, underscoring the infrastructural challenges faced by the city in providing adequate services to its most vulnerable residents. The situation isn’t unique to Delhi. The northern states, including Ambala, Karnal, and Ayodhya, also saw similar foggy conditions, affecting both transportation and daily life. Even the colder regions of Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with freezing temperatures, as areas like Srinagar recorded 2°C and Gulmarg saw temperatures plummet to -2°C. In Uttarakhand, temperatures also dipped to single digits, affecting the daily operations of many towns and villages.
The IMD has predicted moderate fog for the next two days, with rain expected to hit Delhi on February 3. While this may provide some relief to the smog, it also raises concerns about further delays and disruptions. The infrastructure of Delhi and other northern cities, already under strain due to traffic congestion and pollution, will continue to be tested as the fog persists. This ongoing weather pattern highlights the urgent need for enhanced urban planning and infrastructure development in the region. Effective solutions to combat both the environmental and logistical challenges posed by such conditions, including better air quality management and improved public transport systems, are needed to ensure that residents can navigate through such adverse conditions safely and efficiently. As cities like Delhi continue to grow, addressing the vulnerabilities caused by dense fog, poor air quality, and extreme temperatures must become a central focus for policymakers. Only then can the city’s infrastructure rise to meet the challenges of both environmental extremes and urban demands.
