Choking in Delhi, Clogging the Hills: Viral Rohtang Pass Video Sparks ‘Overtourism’ Debate

NEW DELHI December 17, 2025: As the national capital continues to struggle under a thick, toxic blanket of smog, a viral video has emerged from the heights of Himachal Pradesh that tells a startling story of the “pollution exodus.”

The footage, which has garnered millions of views across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), shows a massive, bumper-to-bumper traffic jam stretching for over 10 kilometers near the iconic Rohtang Pass. The sight of hundreds of vehicles snaking through the narrow mountain bends has left both locals and environmentalists deeply concerned.

An Unseasonal Surge

What makes this particular gridlock unusual is the timing. Typically, Rohtang Pass sees such crowds during the peak summer months or immediately after the first heavy snowfall of winter. However, as of mid-December 2025:

• No Significant Snowfall: The region has seen only light dustings, yet the crowds are at record highs.
• Off-Peak Timing: The official Christmas and New Year holiday rush is still a week away.
• The “AQI Factor”: Social media users have dubbed the phenomenon an “AQI Escape,” suggesting that residents of Delhi-NCR are fleeing the “Severe Plus” pollution levels (which recently crossed the 450–500 mark) in search of any breathable air.

“The New Karol Bagh”

The viral clip, shared by user Nikhil Saini, prompted a wave of sharp reactions. Some netizens compared the mountain pass to the congested streets of Delhi, calling Rohtang the “new Karol Bagh.” Others highlighted the irony of fleeing urban pollution only to create a massive carbon footprint in one of India’s most ecologically fragile zones.

“AQI is so bad people are treating Rohtang like it’s the last level of Earth,” wrote one commenter. “This is a fragile zone not equipped to handle this volume of tourists.”

Environmental & Safety Concerns

Local authorities in Himachal Pradesh are now facing a logistical nightmare. While the Atal Tunnel provides a swifter route to Lahaul, many tourists still opt for the scenic climb to Rohtang, leading to hours-long delays.

Environmentalists warn that this “climate exodus” brings more than just traffic. The surge leads to:

1. Increased Emissions: Thousands of idling engines at high altitudes release pollutants that settle on glaciers.
2. Waste Management Issues: Heaps of plastic and disposables are being left behind in pristine areas.
3. Safety Risks: With winter temperatures dropping, the risk of “black ice” makes these traffic jams potentially lethal if a sudden weather shift occurs.

The Road Ahead

While the air in the hills remains significantly cleaner than the “hazardous” levels in Delhi, the sheer volume of visitors is a wake-up call for sustainable tourism.

The Himachal Pradesh government has urged travelers to check for online permits and monitor weather advisories. With a Western Disturbance expected to bring snowfall later this week, authorities may soon be forced to close the pass for the season to prevent a repeat of this viral gridlock.