Bhubaneswar: A day after Diwali celebrations, residents of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar faced severe inconvenience due to dense fog conditions that engulfed the twin cities early Saturday morning.
As per reports, the fog, exacerbated by pollution from Diwali firecrackers, significantly reduced visibility on the outskirts of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, causing difficulties for commuters.
Motorists struggled to navigate through the dense fog, leading to slower traffic and increased risk of accidents on major roads, including National Highway 16 and the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Highway.
Commuters expressed frustration over the hazardous conditions, citing delayed travel times and increased risk of accidents.
“The fog made it impossible to drive safely, and I had to leave for work an hour earlier,” said Rohan Mohanty, a daily commuter.
Environmental experts attributed the severe fog to the cumulative effect of Diwali pollution, weather conditions, and poor air quality.
“The pollution from firecrackers has worsened the fog situation, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on firecracker use,” said a green crusader advising commuters to exercise caution while travelling and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks.