Pongal 2025: Bhogi Smog Disrupts Chennai Flights As Air Quality Takes A Hit In Tamil Nadu Capital

On Bhogi festival, Chennai's air quality declined due to smoke from burning items, affecting visibility and health. Authorities and TNPCB monitor pollution levels.

Pongal 2025: Chennai's air quality deteriorated significantly due to Bhogi smoke, which enveloped the city. This annual ritual involves burning old household items during the Bhogi festival. The resulting smoke has led to reduced visibility and breathing difficulties, prompting authorities to try and limit these activities due to health concerns.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) is actively monitoring air quality across 15 locations in Chennai. They are conducting a 24-hour survey on the day of the Bhogi festival, as well as the day before and after, to assess ambient air conditions. Despite mild rains since midnight reducing pollution levels slightly, TNPCB anticipates an increase in pollution over the next few hours.

Flight Disruptions at Chennai Airport

Chennai airport faced significant disruptions on Monday morning due to decreased visibility from Bhogi smoke. As a precautionary measure, the arrival and departure schedules of 30 flights were modified. Three IndiGo Airlines flights from Delhi and Bengaluru were cancelled because of these conditions, according to a report in DT Next.

The affected flights included those connecting Chennai with international destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Kuwait, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Domestic routes such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Andaman, Goa, Pune, and Kolkata also experienced disruptions.

A thick blanket of smoke covered Chennai due to widespread burning of old clothes and other items for the Bhogi festival. This has made flight operations challenging and potentially hazardous. Passengers were informed about changes in flight schedules through phone messages.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: People celebrate Bhogi Pongal in Chennais Mylapore with drums and traditional rituals.#BhogiFestival #Pongal2025

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/V1InFCBVME

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 13, 2025

Monitoring and Precautionary Measures

Airport officials are closely observing the situation and have plans to divert incoming flights to alternative airports if smog intensifies further. This is a recurring issue for Chennai airport during the Bhogi festival each year.

In 2018, 118 flights were affected by similar conditions during this festival period. However, disruptions have reduced over time; in 2024 only 51 flights faced issues (27 arrivals and 24 departures). Efforts continue to manage these challenges effectively.

#WATCH | Bhogi Pandigai which marks the first day of the four-day Pongal festival is being celebrated in Tamil Nadus Chennai

Bhogi Pandigai involves cleansing rituals, bonfires to burn old items, and prayers for a bountiful harvest. pic.twitter.com/iLwQjJb9Tc

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

The dense smoke from burning items has not only impacted air travel but also created difficulties for motorists navigating through poor visibility on city roads. The situation remains under close watch by authorities who are working towards mitigating its effects on public health and safety.