By Ajay kumar | CEO & Editor-in-chief
Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UNA) :
The historical city of Agra witnessed a dramatic shift in environmental conditions on Monday as the region was engulfed by a dense layer of fog. The Taj Mahal, India’s most famous landmark, was rendered virtually invisible to tourists and local residents for several hours during the morning. This atmospheric phenomenon is part of a wider cold wave currently sweeping across Northern India, leading to a sharp drop in daytime temperatures and altering the visual landscape of the city’s heritage corridor.
The primary cause of the restricted visibility is the combination of high moisture levels and a sudden dip in the mercury, creating a persistent "whiteout" effect. Meteorological data indicates that visibility in the Agra district plummeted to near-zero meters at the peak of the morning, significantly impacting the experience for thousands of international and domestic travelers. Beyond the aesthetic impact on tourism, the heavy fog has necessitated strict safety protocols across the regional highway network to prevent road mishaps.
The impact of the weather has been particularly felt at the Taj Mahal complex, where visitors were unable to view the monument even from a short distance. Tourism operators noted a slowdown in footfall as the lack of clarity discouraged photography and sightseeing. Furthermore, local authorities reported delays in railway schedules and flight operations at the Agra airport, as the condensation levels remained high throughout the first half of the day, forcing a temporary halt to routine travel movements.
Environmental experts and local administrators suggest that these conditions may persist as the winter peak continues through the week. The district administration has issued advisories for commuters to exercise extreme caution on the Yamuna Expressway and other arterial roads. While the fog provides a unique, ethereal atmosphere to the city, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of tourists and managing the logistical challenges posed by the seasonal weather extremes as the new year approaches.
