Severe winter conditions and hazardous air quality in North India are triggering an unexpected and concerning exodus. Residents of Delhi, desperate for a breath of fresh air, are flocking to the hills in such numbers that they are causing unprecedented traffic gridlocks in ecologically fragile zones, even in the absence of snow or peak holidays.
Viral Video Captures Hill Station Turned Highway
A video shared by user Nikhil Saini on the social media platform X on December 16 has gone viral, painting a startling picture. It shows an unending line of vehicles, primarily white cars, stuck in a massive jam on the narrow road leading to Rohtang Pass near Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The scene is devoid of snow, yet cars are stretched as far as the eye can see, with frustrated passengers stepping out amid constant honking.
Saini captioned the post, questioning the reason for the crowd: “Escape from toxic AQI or what? This jam isn’t on some city road, it’s Rohtang Pass. No snowfall yet. No vacations. Still such massive traffic.” This visual starkly contrasts the typical serene image of a mountain escape.
The Push Factor: Delhi's 'Very Poor' Air
The rush appears directly linked to the deteriorating air conditions in the capital. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 380 in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday, with thick smog reducing visibility and causing respiratory issues. While it improved slightly to 329 on Wednesday, it remained firmly in the 'very poor' zone, seemingly pushing many to seek refuge in the hills.
Reports from The Tribune indicate that the situation is exacerbated by the Christmas-New Year travel hype, with over 1,000 tourist vehicles and 100 buses entering Manali daily. Issues like lane-jumping and damaged roads between Manali and Palchan further compound the traffic chaos.
Social Media Echoes Concern and Sarcasm
Online reactions to the viral video have been a mix of shock, worry, and dark humor. One user noted the irony, writing, "White and White and White Cars! No Snow but still everything is white." Another commented, "The mountains look less like a mountain pass, more like a road in Gurgaon or Greater Noida West, full of dirt only."
Beyond sarcasm, many expressed serious ecological and safety concerns. A poignant comment highlighted the gravity: "Horrible as ever. Mountains are not calling anyone. They are screaming for help and want to avoid all cars." Another user pointed out the risks, stating, "This is one of the most fragile ecological zones... not equipped to handle such volumes. Beyond environmental stress, it’s also a highly risky zone - landslides, sudden weather changes, and accidents are constant threats." The comment called for urgent policies to manage visitor flow and protect the ecosystem.
A Call for Sustainable Travel Policies
The incident at Rohtang Pass serves as a critical warning. The pass is a high-altitude area prone to landslides and abrupt weather shifts. The current off-season snarl, driven by urban air pollution, underscores an urgent need for smarter, regulated travel to prevent environmental catastrophe and ensure tourist safety. The dream of crisp mountain air is being jeopardized by the very crowds seeking it, highlighting a complex challenge at the intersection of public health, tourism, and environmental conservation.
