The heavy smog has enveloped the city thus it has significantly reduced visibility and affected daily life and traffic movement. The higher AQI indicates a hazardous level of pollution, posing serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues.The Met Department officials are of the view that the western disturbance approaching in mountains increased the moisture content in the region, reducing air circulation and resulting in dense morning fog. The worsening air quality in the region is not solely a result of crop burning.The Chandigarh Meteorological Department has also issued a yellow alert in the region stating that the conditions will persist till Friday.Confirming that this is smog, IMD director of Chandigarh Surender Paul said that in November smog is uncommon especially when the temperature is still above average. It is in December that smog comes and also at late night or in the early morning and fog is during the day and also at the time of peak winters.He said that due to the effect of a western disturbance touching the north of the country along with a low-pressure area, the humidity of the region is increasing. The other significant contributors include dust and urban pollution sources like vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, he added.Meanwhile, Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) will monitor the situation in the coming days.
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