Bhopal:
India is witnessing two contrasting weather conditions, with Delhi-NCR battling hazardous air pollution and dense smog, while fresh snowfall has transformed several Himalayan regions into picturesque winter landscapes. On Friday, November 13, Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 403, placing it in the severe category. The monitoring station at IIT Delhi recorded an AQI as high as 488.
Of the 57 air quality monitoring stations across the national capital, 33 reported severe pollution levels, while 25 recorded very poor air quality. Residents in several areas are experiencing breathing difficulties due to deteriorating air conditions. Experts have identified vehicular emissions as one of the major contributors to the city's pollution crisis.
In contrast, fresh snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir has covered popular hill destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Gurez and Zojila, in a blanket of white. Several areas of the Gurez Valley, including Dawar, Churwan, Baktour and Kanzalwan, have witnessed snowfall. Drass in Ladakh has also experienced fresh snowfall, covering houses, roads and vehicles.
Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul region received snowfall on Friday morning, while parts of North Sikkim, including Lachung, Zero Point and Kalapathar, have been experiencing continuous snowfall over the past two days.
The fresh snowfall has disrupted traffic on several important routes, including the Srinagar-Leh Highway, Gurez-Bandipora Road and Mughal Road. The India Meteorological Department has forecast further snowfall in higher-altitude areas over the next 24 to 36 hours due to the influence of a western disturbance.
Meanwhile, authorities have advised tourists and travellers to check weather forecasts and road conditions before undertaking journeys in snowfall-affected areas.
While northern India's mountains welcome an early winter spectacle, the severe pollution situation in the national capital continues to raise serious public health concerns.
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