Author : Aashiya Jain | EQMint | General news
A thick blanket of dense fog brought daily life in Delhi-NCR to a grinding halt on Tuesday morning, disrupting air travel, road traffic, and school routines across the region. As visibility dropped sharply to near-zero levels in several pockets, authorities were forced to take precautionary measures, including the cancellation of flights and the closure of schools in Noida, leaving thousands of families scrambling to adjust their plans.
The fog, which began settling late Monday night, intensified in the early hours of the morning, covering large parts of Delhi-NCR in a cold, grey haze. By dawn, visibility at many locations had fallen below 50 metres, making it nearly impossible for drivers to navigate safely. Long queues of vehicles were seen crawling on major arterial roads, with commuters inching their way to offices, hospitals, and railway stations.
Flights grounded, passengers stranded
The most severe impact was felt at the Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi, where flight operations were badly hit due to poor visibility. According to airport sources, at least 128 flights were cancelled, while many others were delayed by several hours. Passengers, some travelling with elderly family members and young children, were seen waiting anxiously inside terminals, hoping for clearer skies.
“I reached the airport at 4 am for a domestic flight, but after multiple announcements and delays, it was eventually cancelled,” said a software professional headed to Bengaluru from Delhi. “There was confusion everywhere, and no one knew when the fog would lift.”
Airlines issued advisories urging travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport, while ground staff struggled to manage crowds amid the uncertainty. For many passengers, missed connections and rescheduled journeys added to the frustration of an already exhausting winter morning.
Schools closed in Noida, relief for parents and children
In a move aimed at ensuring student safety, authorities in Noida,Delhi announced the closure of schools for the day. The decision came as visibility on city roads remained dangerously low during peak school hours. For parents, the announcement was a mix of relief and last-minute chaos, as many had already begun preparing their children for school.
“By the time we got the message, my son was already dressed,” said a Noida resident. “But I’m glad the authorities took this step. Driving in this fog is risky, especially with school buses on the road.”
Several private schools shifted to online classes, while others postponed lessons altogether, citing safety concerns for students and staff.
Roads turn hazardous, commuters struggle
Beyond airports and schools, the fog also made road travel hazardous across the region. Major highways connecting Delhi to Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad witnessed slow-moving traffic, with drivers relying on hazard lights and constant honking to navigate through the gloom. Traffic police urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, maintain safe distances, and use fog lights where available.
For daily wage workers and delivery personnel, however, staying home was not an option. “If I don’t go to work, I don’t get paid,” said a construction worker waiting by the roadside. “But driving or even walking in this fog feels dangerous.”
Winter fog: a recurring challenge
Dense fog is a familiar winter phenomenon in north India especially in Delhi, particularly in December and January, when cold temperatures combine with moisture and pollution to reduce visibility. Experts note that calm winds and high humidity overnight create ideal conditions for fog formation, which often persists well into the morning hours.
While such weather events are not unusual, their impact has become more severe in recent years due to increasing traffic volume and air pollution levels. Authorities often implement emergency measures, but the disruption to daily life remains significant.
What lies ahead
Weather officials have warned that foggy conditions may continue over the next few days, especially during early morning and late-night hours. Travellers are advised to plan journeys carefully, monitor weather updates, and allow extra time for commutes. Airlines and railways are also expected to remain on high alert, adjusting schedules as needed.
As Delhi-NCR residents brace for more fog-filled mornings, the day’s events served as a reminder of how quickly nature can upend routine life. From cancelled flights and closed schools to delayed office arrivals, the dense fog didn’t just cloud the skies it reshaped an entire day for millions across the region.
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Resource Link : IndiaToday
