Delhi and parts of North India remain engulfed in dense fog, significantly reducing visibility and posing challenges for flights and trains connecting the national capital with the rest of the country. The ongoing cold wave has caused temperatures to plummet to 3.3 degrees Celsius this morning, marking the coldest day of the season so far.
Travel Chaos as Flights and Trains Disrupted
The dense fog has thrown flight schedules into disarray at the Delhi airport, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated. According to flight tracker website Flightradar24, 168 flights have been delayed and 84 flights cancelled today. Passengers have been advised to stay updated on their flight status as delays on foggy mornings are now a common occurrence. The average delay for flights has been around an hour, but for some passengers, the waiting time extended to several hours. One passenger reported a 13-hour wait for his flight to Goa, highlighting the extent of the disruption.
Major airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara have attributed the delays to adverse weather conditions in Delhi and Kolkata. Vistara also confirmed that an early morning Delhi-Kolkata flight had to be diverted to Hyderabad due to the poor visibility. The Delhi airport has issued a dense fog alert, advising passengers to remain patient and prepared for further delays.
Train services have been equally affected by the fog. Eighteen trains scheduled to arrive in Delhi have been delayed today, causing inconvenience to commuters relying on rail services. Passengers at railway stations across the region have been seen braving the freezing temperatures as they await updates on delayed trains.
Schools Resume Amid Severe Cold
Adding to the challenges, schools in Delhi are set to reopen today after a two-week winter break. However, due to the severe cold conditions, school authorities have revised timings to protect students from the harsh weather. Parents have expressed concerns over sending children to school amidst such low temperatures, but schools have assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety and comfort of students.
Air Quality Shows Slight Improvement
While the dense fog continues to disrupt daily life, there has been a marginal improvement in air quality in Delhi. The air quality index (AQI) has shifted from the ‘severe’ category to the ‘very poor’ category. However, experts warn that the improvement is minimal and air pollution remains a major concern for residents of the city.
A police officer overseeing traffic management in the city stated, “The season’s first cold wave day was recorded on Friday, with temperatures dipping to 3.9 degrees Celsius. Saturday marked the coldest night of the season at 3 degrees Celsius. The weather conditions are posing significant challenges for commuters and law enforcement personnel alike.”
A Recurring Issue
The current situation is not an isolated incident. Similar foggy conditions disrupted flight and train services in Delhi yesterday as well, with zero visibility reported in certain areas, including the vicinity of the airport. These recurring weather conditions during the winter season have long been a challenge for transportation services in North India.
Experts attribute the dense fog to a combination of low temperatures, high humidity, and calm winds, which are characteristic of the winter months in this region. The meteorological department has issued warnings of continued foggy conditions over the next few days, urging residents to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel.
Government and Public Response
The government and airport authorities have been working to mitigate the impact of the fog on transportation services. Advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) have been deployed at the Delhi airport to facilitate the landing of flights in low-visibility conditions. However, the system has its limitations, and flights continue to be affected by the persistent fog.
Passengers, meanwhile, have expressed frustration over the lack of timely updates and inadequate facilities at airports and railway stations. “It’s really difficult to wait for hours in this cold weather with no proper seating or heating arrangements,” said a passenger stranded at the Delhi airport.
On the roads, visibility has been reduced to just a few metres in several parts of the city, leading to an increase in accidents and traffic congestion. Police have been deployed at major intersections to manage traffic and ensure the safety of commuters.
Precautions and Recommendations
Authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions during this period of extreme cold and low visibility. Commuters are urged to drive cautiously, use fog lights, and avoid unnecessary travel. Parents have been advised to ensure that children are dressed warmly when heading to school.
The Indian Railways and airlines have also issued guidelines for passengers, encouraging them to check the status of their trains and flights before leaving for the station or airport. Helpline numbers have been set up to assist passengers with real-time updates.
Weather Forecast
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cold wave conditions are expected to persist for the next few days, with temperatures likely to remain below normal. Dense fog is also forecast to continue, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. The IMD has urged residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm during this period.
Impact on Daily Life
The dense fog and cold wave have significantly impacted daily life in Delhi and neighbouring regions. Office-goers and daily wage workers have been facing difficulties commuting to work, while vendors and shopkeepers have reported a decline in business due to the reduced footfall. Public parks and other outdoor spaces that usually see a lot of activity have been deserted in the mornings, with most residents choosing to stay indoors to avoid the cold.
The situation has also affected the healthcare sector, with an increase in the number of patients reporting respiratory problems and hypothermia-related issues. Doctors have advised residents, particularly the elderly and young children, to take extra care and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.
Conclusion
The dense fog and cold wave currently gripping Delhi and parts of North India serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme winter weather conditions. While the government and authorities are taking steps to mitigate the impact, the situation underscores the need for better preparedness and infrastructure to handle such disruptions. As residents continue to brave the cold and navigate through the fog, the hope is for clearer skies and warmer days ahead.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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