Smog is not just a seasonal nuisance; it has become a serious environmental and public health hazard. In recent years, the northern region of India has witnessed dense layers of smog during the winter months due to air pollution, vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, crop residue burning, construction dust, and unfavorable weather conditions. The thick blanket of smog significantly reduces visibility, causing disruption in daily life and in
creasing the risk of fatal road accidents.
During severe smog episodes, highways, roads, railway routes, and airports experience delays and accidents because drivers and pilots are unable to see clearly. Many lives are lost every year due to collisions caused by poor visibility. Apart from transportation hazards, smog has a direct impact on human health. It contains harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and other toxic substances that enter the respiratory system.
Children, elderly people, and individuals suffering from asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and other respiratory disorders are particularly vulnerable. Prolonged exposure to smog can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, throat infections, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular problems. Schools are often forced to close, outdoor activities are restricted, and overall quality of life deteriorates.