Low visibility due to dense morning fog hampers traffic movement in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 22: Dense fog in the morning from the last several days is severely affecting vehicular movement in various areas of the summer capital.

Commuters said that the fog is not only affecting visibility but has also increased risk of accidents. They said that scores of office goers, students, and others leave for their destinations amid dense fog.

The commuters said that during peak morning hours, there is a huge traffic rush and the fog has hit smooth vehicular movement. They expressed concern that the concerned authorities have failed to issue advisories and put in place other measures to ensure safe vehicular movement.

“Driving in the morning amid fog has become risky. We leave the office before 9 am, and at that time, visibility is very low. It also ends up slowing down vehicles, which hampers the traffic movement. People reach their destinations late due to fog,” said Ashiq Ahmad, a commuter.

Most affected due to foggy conditions are students who have to reach their schools by 10 am. “Authorities should have increased school time in the morning to prevent inconvenience to students. We are worried when our children leave for school. There is risk of accidents due to low visibility due to fog. Some young high school students go on two-wheelers, making it even more risky. We hope that authorities will announce winter vacation taking in view fog and sub-zero temperatures in Srinagar. Traffic police should also play their role in making people aware and being on the ground during foggy hours,” said Shahid Ahmad, a local from Srinagar.

Experts from road safety NGOs said that people need to be made aware of safe driving amid such conditions to avoid accidents.

Nasir Khan, CEO Kashmir Road Safety Foundation, said that they have organised many awareness programmes on the issue lined up with Traffic Police and Srinagar Smart City.

“We have been holding on-ground programmes on traffic safety. Now, the situation due to fog has become worse, and people have to take all the precautions, like driving at slow speed. Authorities can also ensure a functional street light system during early morning and evening to avoid accidents. We are meeting Traffic Authorities and Srinagar smart city officials, and we will hold programmes on road safety amid fog,” Khan said.