Bhogi Bonfires Bring Mild Smog to TN, Flight Operations Mostly Unaffected
Image Source: Internet
Tamil Nadu celebrated the traditional Bhogi festival on Wednesday, marking the eve of Pongal, the harvest festival. The festivities, which involve lighting bonfires and discarding unwanted items, led to brief periods of mild smog in some areas. However, flight operations at Chennai Airport were not significantly impacted, with only a few international flights experiencing minor delays due to low visibility. According to airport sources, the presence of fog and smog was short-lived and did not affect domestic flights. The Chennai Airport had issued a weather advisory, warning passengers to check flight status and stay in touch with airlines in case of delays or cancellations. Residents in urban neighborhoods noted that the smell of bonfires was weaker than in previous years, suggesting a decline in the practice of burning waste. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has been actively promoting eco-friendly Bhogi celebrations, urging people to refrain from burning plastics, tyres, and other hazardous materials. In a bid to create awareness, the Board has been conducting environmental campaigns for the past 21 years. It appeals to the public to celebrate Bhogi responsibly and protect the environment from air pollution and health hazards.