Foggy Conditions Persist
Dense fog continues to grip Delhi, significantly affecting daily life and travel. Visibility has been severely reduced, leading to the cancellation and delay
of numerous flights and trains. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings, predicting very dense fog in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. The prolonged period of fog has created hazardous conditions, leading to schools being closed and offices implementing work-from-home policies. Furthermore, the situation has sparked political discussions, with various parties engaging in blame games regarding the air pollution crisis. The Delhi government has been working on improving public transport. In response to the crisis, they have flagged off 100 electric buses, hoping to reduce pollution. The IMD also warned about the impact on air and rail traffic.
Travel Chaos Unfolds
The dense fog has brought the Delhi airport to a standstill, with more than 250 flights delayed and at least 22 cancelled. IndiGo alone has cancelled 59 flights, adding to the travel woes of passengers. Train services are also facing delays due to reduced visibility, with some trains running late. The Northern Railway CPRO confirmed the slowing down of train speeds, impacting schedules. Passengers are advised to check flight and train statuses frequently. SpiceJet has issued a travel advisory. In addition, flight operations were disrupted at Delhi's IGI airport on Thursday morning as thick smog engulfed the city, impacting visibility.
Government's Response
In response to the severe air pollution and fog, the Delhi government has implemented several measures. A 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy has been enforced, aiming to reduce vehicular emissions. The government is also promoting the use of electric buses to improve public transport and reduce pollution. The Delhi government also blamed Arvind Kejriwal's AAP for failing to fulfil pollution tasks in the last 11 years. Furthermore, the authorities are discussing stricter curbs on vehicle usage and industrial activities. These policies are part of a larger strategy to improve air quality and mitigate the impacts of the dense fog. Meanwhile, the implementation of the 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy commenced.
Political Reactions Emerge
The ongoing air pollution crisis has sparked political debate, with various parties voicing their opinions. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari criticised the government, stating that people are trapped in a 'gas chamber'. Other political figures are also taking part, with the BJP MP accusing the opposition of politicising the issue. The situation has become a subject of political blame, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between different parties. Delhi govt also blamed AAP for air pollution crisis. The severity of the air quality has led to discussions on how to address the issue and how to put the blame for the current crisis.
