Chandigarh, 17 November 2024: A thick blanket of toxic smog, exacerbated by westerly winds, has enveloped the state for the past three days, severely impacting daily life.
According to reports, the air quality has worsened with a sharp drop in temperature, plunging by 10 degrees.
The current minimum and maximum temperatures have fallen to 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, respectively, down from 25 and 37 degrees just five days ago.
The fog persists throughout the day, blocking sunlight and reducing visibility, causing vehicles on highways to slow down to speeds of 20-40 km/h.
The dense smog has led to a rise in road accidents as drivers struggle with reduced visibility.
The Meteorological Department forecasts stable temperatures for the upcoming week, with no rain expected. The drop in temperature and increased fog are attributed to recent snowfall in the hilly areas.
On Saturday, visibility plummeted to as low as 6 meters in certain regions, forcing motorists to keep their headlights, indicators, and fog lights on continuously.
Despite the hazardous conditions, local authorities have yet to implement measures like installing reflectors or setting up warning boards on main roads, leaving drivers to navigate the dangerous fog without adequate support.
