For residents in Delhi-NCR, breathing has become nothing less of a challenge as pollution levels continue to soar to dangerous levels. Outside, thick smog hangs over roads and buildings while indoors only
feel slightly better if air purifiers are on.
In the midst of this, a social media clip has grabbed attention. It shows a long line of vehicles at Rohtang Pass and the user sharing it speculated whether people from polluted cities are flocking to the mountains to get respite from toxic air.
Traffic Jam At Rohtang Pass
The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows vehicles stuck in traffic that is over a distance of roughly 10 kilometers. Hundreds of cars remain in queue in slow-moving traffic even though snowfall hasn’t yet begun and year-end vacations are still a week away.
The caption shared along with the clip reads: “Escape from toxic AQI or what? This jam isn’t on some city road, it’s Rohtang Pass. No snowfall yet. No vacations. Still such massive traffic. So what exactly is pulling everyone up there?”
Watch The Video Here
Escape from toxic AQI or what ?
‘Rohtang Is New Karol Bagh’: Internet Reacts
Since being shared online, the post attracted over a million views and triggered conversations about overcrowding and environmental impact in tourist spots.
One user commented, “The mountains look less like a mountain pass, more like a road in Gurugram or Greater Noida West – full of dirt only.”
Another jokingly said, “Rohtang is the new Karol Bagh,” likening the pass to a crowded city market.
“Maybe we should stop these people at these locations itself and make them plant trees and clean the mountains. That might reduce this so-called ‘wanderlustism’ and actually help the mountains,” someone else suggested.
Others shared their observations on the irony of the situation with replies like “When fresh air becomes the new tourist attraction” and “They are heading to improve the AQI of Rohtang.”
“Horrible as ever. Mountains are not calling anyone. They are screaming for help and want to avoid all cars,” an individual remarked while a person added, “Hope the AQI at Rohtang Pass remains within safe limits.”
Delhi’s Air Crisis Continues
Meanwhile, Delhi continues to struggle under heavy smog. On Wednesday, December 17, areas like Anand Vihar and ITO were seen covered in a dense haze that reduced visibility and increased health risks for residents.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage-IV measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes strict limitations on construction, industrial operations and movement of certain vehicles to try and curb the critical pollution levels.
