Hitting the headlines for its “very poor” air quality, the Indian capital of New Delhi has nonetheless begun hot-air balloon tourism — it is a sign of optimism amid the blanket of smog that usually smothers Delhi’s winter weather.
The balloon ride, operated by Air Safari, was launched this past weekend. Just a day before the November 29 launch, “the national capital recorded an AQI of 369 on [November 28], extending its streak of ‘very poor’ air quality to half the month of November”, said a report by the news agency PTI.
While the hot-air balloon is an addition to the list of tourist attractions in Delhi, this is an initiative not of Delhi Tourism but of the Delhi Development Authority, an entity mainly known for building affordable housing in Delhi.
A pre-launch report by NDTV said: “The initiative, led by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), follows a series of successful trial flights earlier this week at Baansera Park along the Yamuna floodplains.”
Related information in the report said: “The DDA will roll out the balloon rides across four major locations in phases: Baansera Park; Asita; Yamuna Sports Complex; Commonwealth Games Village Sports Complex.”
NDTV said that the hot-air balloon would rise to a height of 120 feet, “allowing riders to enjoy sweeping views of the Yamuna riverfront, nearby parks, and key city landmarks”.
It may be noted that water pollution in the river Yamuna had, in the past, more than matched the infamous air pollution of Delhi.
Many past images had shown a thick white foam — a toxic mix of rotting organic matter and harmful chemicals thrown into the river — almost entirely covering the water. A massive clean-up has been under way to remedy this.
According to a News18 report published yesterday, “the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has spent about INR 5,536 crore (USD 622 million) over the last three financial years to keep the Yamuna River clean, the central government informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday”.
With smoggy air all around and a sewage-filled river below, what does the Delhi hot-air balloon (INR 3,000 per person, per ride) offer to thrill-seekers?
Videos of the balloon ride, highly publicised and covered by social media influencers as well as mainstream news brands, make the Delhi scenery appear quite picturesque and Instagram-worthy. Anything non-photogenic is edited out.
Sharing a video of the hot-air balloon test ride at Baansera Park in the Yamuna floodplains a few days ago, the Instagram handle of Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said that DDA “has worked hard to achieve this exciting initiative, while ensuring a safe and professional experience”.
