For the fourth day in a row, a thick blanket of fog has engulfed the Tricity region of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, severely disrupting daily life and transport. The persistent fog has drastically reduced visibility, leading to significant delays in both air and rail travel.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Sunday
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated warnings by issuing an Orange Alert for dense fog on Sunday, January 21. This alert indicates a high likelihood of continued very poor visibility, posing risks to transportation and public safety. The IMD's forecast suggests that the foggy conditions are expected to persist, keeping the region in a cold and hazy grip.
Transportation Hit Hard
The impact on transportation networks has been severe. At Chandigarh International Airport, flight operations have been thrown into chaos. Several flights were either delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled due to the dangerously low visibility, which at times dropped to near-zero levels. Passengers faced long hours of uncertainty and inconvenience.
The railway network has not been spared either. Key trains passing through the region, including the Chandigarh-Delhi Shatabdi Express and the New Delhi-Kalka Shatabdi Express, have experienced substantial delays. These disruptions have affected the travel plans of hundreds of commuters relying on these crucial connections.
Safety Advisory for Residents
Authorities have issued strong advisories urging residents to exercise extreme caution. Motorists are advised to avoid non-essential travel during the early morning and late night hours when the fog is at its densest. For those who must drive, the use of fog lights, reduced speed, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is strongly recommended. Pedestrians are also urged to wear visible clothing and be extra vigilant while crossing roads.
The local administration and traffic police are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely to manage traffic flow and respond to any emergencies. The persistent fog and cold wave have also raised health concerns, with doctors advising people, especially the elderly and children, to stay warm and protect themselves from respiratory issues.
As the Tricity battles this extended spell of dense fog, all eyes are on the weather department's updates. Residents are hoping for a change in conditions soon, but for now, the Orange Alert stands, signaling another day of challenging weather ahead.
