Severe Fog Disrupts Life in Delhi-NCR, Impact Felt Across Northern India
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New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) North India was effectively immobilized on Saturday as severe cold waves and thick fog enveloped the area, leading to extensive disruptions. The capital city, Delhi, faced extremely low visibility, which posed serious challenges for both commuters and transportation systems. The situation mirrored that of the National Capital Region (NCR), with places like Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, and Gurugram and Faridabad, along with nearby regions in Haryana, grappling with similarly low visibility.
Drivers within the city and neighboring areas were seen moving at a crawl, struggling to navigate through the dense fog, while morning walkers faced difficulties spotting approaching vehicles.
At the Indira Gandhi International Airport, flight operations experienced a temporary stoppage early in the day due to drastically reduced visibility.
IndiGo, one of the premier airlines in the country, declared the suspension of all incoming and outgoing flights, citing unsafe weather conditions. The airline also alerted passengers about potential delays even after services resumed, attributing this to airside congestion.
In a similar vein, Air India reported significant disruptions throughout Delhi and other northern cities, as thick fog severely affected flight schedules.
The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) urged travelers to stay informed about their flights by directly coordinating with their respective airlines. By midday on Friday, over 150 flights had been delayed, while around 30 were canceled.
Train services also suffered substantial impacts, with numerous delays and rescheduling observed. Road traffic across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Karnal, and Amritsar was significantly hindered, complicating daily routines for residents.
In light of the weather conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an 'Orange Alert' for Delhi, indicating the danger of very dense fog and urging caution.
The day before, authorities in Noida mandated the closure of schools for students up to Class 8 due to the severe weather conditions.
This adverse weather is not confined to Delhi and its neighboring states. Himachal Pradesh is preparing for snowfall and rain as a Western Disturbance is expected to activate on Sunday, January 5.
The IMD has also issued a 'Yellow Alert' for heavy snowfall in districts such as Chamba, Kangra, and Kinnaur. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir are bracing for heavy snowfall, prompting authorities to advise residents against unnecessary travel and to adhere to safety protocols.
As the cold wave continues, officials are closely monitoring the situation, issuing advisories aimed at minimizing disruptions and ensuring public safety.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated about changing conditions and to follow official guidance to navigate the difficulties posed by this severe weather event.
