The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi on Monday issued a health and safety advisory for its nationals residing in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) after imposing the strictest against pollution measure.
The move comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on 13 December in response to the sharp deterioration in air quality.
In a post on X social media, Singaporean Ambassador to India Simon Wong said that Singaporeans in Delhi-NCR should pay close attention to local pollution-related health advisories and restrictions.
The post also carried advice.
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“In light of India’s Central Pollution Control Board invoking Phase 4 of the Tiered Response Action Plan, the Singapore High Commission has issued the following recommendations for Singapore nationals in Delhi NCR,” the post said.
The High Commission warned that the thick smog, which causes low visibility, could disrupt air traffic. Indira Gandhi International Airport and various airlines have issued alerts and passengers are advised to check their flight status directly.
The Foreign Office of the United Kingdom and Canada have already issued advisories to their citizens regarding the level of severe air pollution in Delhi and urged them to monitor air quality.
In its advisory, the UK government said: “Severe air pollution is a major health risk, particularly during the winter months of October to February. Cities in northern India are most affected by exceptionally high levels of pollution. Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions may be particularly affected. If you are pregnant or have respiratory or heart conditions, you may want to consult a doctor before travelling.”
In its advisory, the Canadian government said: “Smog and other types of air pollution can be extremely dangerous in urban areas and cities like Delhi. It’s usually worst in winter. In rural areas, air quality can be affected by agricultural burning. Dust storms also occur in northern India. Monitor air pollution levels, which change rapidly, especially if you suffer from respiratory conditions or have pre-existing health conditions.”
During periods of outdoor activities with high pollution limits, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities, Canada’s foreign affairs department said.
Air pollution is reaching alarming levels
On Monday, Delhi’s overall air quality index (AQI), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), was at a dangerous 452 (“severe” category) in the morning, after a similar reading of 461 on Sunday. Several areas recorded alarming levels, with Anand Vihar at 493 and Wazirpur reaching the maximum possible AQI of 500.
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On Saturday, the CAQM ordered the implementation of GRAP Stage 4 after Delhi’s AQI approached the “severe” threshold of 450, triggering the strictest emergency pollution measures.
“In view of the prevailing air quality trend and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM sub-committee on GRAP has decided to apply all measures as envisaged under Stage IV of the existing GRAP – ‘severe’ air quality (Delhi AQI > 450 throughout this measure, with immediate effect in NCR throughout St. I, II and III of the existing GRAP already in force in NCR,” CAQM said.
Key precautions and warnings
- GRAP Phase 4 mandates severe restrictions on construction and industrial activities.
- Authorities and schools are advised to switch to hybrid or online modes.
- Residents, especially the elderly, children and those with heart or respiratory conditions, are strongly encouraged to stay indoors and wear masks when venturing outside.
