Due to poor visibility caused by the burning of old clothes and tyres during the Bhogi festival, the Chennai airport cancelled three Indigo flights and modified schedules for 30 others as a precautionary measure. This is a recurring issue every year, with efforts to raise awareness among nearby communities to not burn waste. International carriers, including Oman Air and Etihad, have also made adjustments to their schedules to ensure safe landing in smog conditions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to divert flights if needed.
Bhogi Festival: Tradition, Pollution, and Flight Disruptions
Background
Bhogi is a South Indian festival celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month Thai, which typically falls in mid-January. The festival symbolizes the shedding of old possessions and the welcoming of the new year. Traditionally, people burn old clothes, furniture, and other items in large bonfires, known as "Bhogi Mantalu."
Current Events
This year, the Bhogi festival in Chennai, India, led to significant flight disruptions at the city's airport. Due to poor visibility caused by the burning of old materials, three Indigo flights were canceled, and schedules for 30 others were modified. This is a recurring issue during the Bhogi festival, prompting authorities to call for efforts to raise awareness about the environmental hazards associated with burning waste.
International carriers such as Oman Air and Etihad also made adjustments to their schedules to ensure safe landings in the smog conditions. Authorities closely monitored the situation and prepared to divert flights if necessary.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is burning old items during Bhogi a tradition? Burning old possessions represents letting go of the past and welcoming the new year with a clean slate.
2. What are the environmental impacts of Bhogi bonfires? Burning waste releases pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, which can contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems.
3. What efforts are being made to reduce pollution from Bhogi bonfires? Authorities are encouraging people to dispose of old items responsibly through recycling or waste management services. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate the public about the harmful effects of burning.
4. What are the alternative ways to celebrate Bhogi? Instead of burning, people can donate old items to charity or recycle them. They can also participate in community events that involve cleaning and beautifying their surroundings.
5. What are the safety precautions to consider when celebrating Bhogi? Avoid burning large quantities of materials at once and keep bonfires away from buildings and trees. Ensure that children are supervised and do not come into contact with the fire.
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