Areas in and around Delhi experience winter blues as dense fog descends, visibility nears zero

Annual events in the Capital go like clockwork: Now, it is time for fog to blind the NCR. It is like this: First comes the smog in November, which makes breathing difficult; next up is fog to give a heartburn, a perfect end to the year. As winter firms up its grip on north India, Delhi and surrounding areas have to bear the scrouge of dense fog. This meteorological phenomenon not only adds chill to the air but also disrupts daily life, affecting transportation, and leading to delays and cancellations in surface and air travel. The latest episode of "most intense fog this winter" in Delhi-NCR has been particularly severe, prompting an orange alert and causing chaos. Winter fog is a common occurrence in Delhi, attributed to a combination of factors. The drop in temperature at night, coupled with high humidity, creates the ideal conditions for fog formation. The cool air condenses the moisture present in the atmosphere, resulting in the formation of tiny water droplets or ice crystals, which make up the fog. This process is accentuated in the early hours, leading to reduced visibility. Yesterday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 7.8 degrees Celsius, and the AQI was in the "very poor" category. The severity of this fog formation prompted Met authorities to issue an orange alert for the NCR. An orange alert signifies that the weather conditions are likely to have a significant impact on daily life. The possibility of accidents is rather high as visibility nears zero, so citizens must take necessary precautions.

At the IGI Airport, flights were delayed or cancelled for two days due to poor visibility conditions. Fliers had to experience frustration and inconvenience as they grappled with now-uncertain travel plans. Similarly, the railways experienced disruptions, with several trains delayed or cancelled to ensure passenger safety. The combination of reduced visibility and potential hazards on railway tracks necessitated precautionary measures, causing inconvenience to daily commuters. It is a good idea to use fog lights, maintain safe distance and drive slow and cautiously. Meanwhile, to mitigate the impact of dense fog, authorities have implemented various measures: Airports have deployed advanced technology such as ‘CAT III Instrument Landing Systems,’ which aid pilots during low-visibility conditions. Similarly, the railways have heightened vigilance, and train schedules are adjusted to accommodate the challenges posed by fog. While the orange alert signals the need for caution, it also underscores the importance of preparedness and mitigation measures to minimise disruptions to daily life. The fog, a passing phenomenon though, is enough to remind us that despite all the modern technology, we are still small and helpless in front of Nature. There is, of course, hope that advancements in technology and improved planning will contribute to a safer and more efficient response in future. But, for now, to put it in ad lingo: ‘Delhi mein to fog chal raha hai.’