As a thick, hazardous smog continues to choke Delhi, a significant number of its residents are reportedly making a beeline for the hills in search of breathable air. This sudden rush has led to unprecedented traffic congestion in ecologically sensitive mountain areas, with a viral video from Rohtang Pass highlighting the severity of the situation.
Delhi's Air Crisis and the Hill Station Rush
On Tuesday, the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 380, firmly placing it in the 'very poor' category. The persistent toxic haze has become a major health concern, prompting many to seek refuge in destinations known for cleaner air. This trend coincides with the peak winter tourist season in North India, amplifying the usual travel movement.
Viral Video Exposes Rohtang Pass Gridlock
A video shared on social media platform X by user Nikhil Saini has brought the issue into sharp focus. The clip shows a seemingly endless line of vehicles stuck in a massive traffic jam on the route to Himachal Pradesh's Rohtang Pass. "Escape from toxic AQI or what? This jam isn't on some city road, it's Rohtang Pass," Saini wrote in his post, which quickly garnered over 3 lakh views.
The visuals sparked immediate concern and debate online. Many users expressed alarm, drawing parallels between the congested mountain pass and crowded city markets. "Rohtang is the new Karol Bagh," one user remarked, while others pointed fingers at misleading social media content and inadequate crowd management by authorities for the chaotic scene.
Environmental Alarm Bells Ring Loud
Beyond the inconvenience, the viral video has triggered serious conversations about the environmental cost of such unregulated tourist influx. Commentators warned that the swarm of vehicles threatens to degrade the very air quality people are fleeing to find. "If cars keep swarming hill stations, AQI will reach the same levels there too," read one concerned post.
Environmentalists and officials have long cautioned that fragile mountain ecosystems in popular destinations like Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala are under severe strain from unplanned tourism and traffic. The current exodus from the plains is adding immense pressure, with one user starkly noting, "The mountains are not calling anyone — they're screaming for help."
The incident underscores an urgent need for better traffic regulation, sustainable tourism practices, and stricter enforcement in environmentally sensitive zones. Without proactive measures, the quest for clean air may end up polluting the last remaining havens.
