The High Commission of Singapore in New Delhi has issued an advisory urging Singapore nationals in the Delhi National Capital Region to take precautions after Indian authorities activated Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in response to rapidly worsening air quality.
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked GRAP Stage 4 on December 13 as pollution levels in Delhi and adjacent areas surged. Under Stage 4 restrictions, construction and many industrial activities are largely curtailed, and schools and offices are advised to move to hybrid or fully online operations. Residents have been asked to remain indoors where possible, especially children, older adults, and people with respiratory or cardiac conditions, and to wear protective masks when outdoors.
Singapore’s High Commission shared the advisory on X, with Ambassador Simon Wong urging Singaporeans in the NCR to monitor local health guidance and comply with pollution-related measures. The mission also warned that dense smog and reduced visibility could disrupt air travel; Indira Gandhi International Airport and several airlines had already issued advisories. Travellers were advised to check flight status directly with their carriers for the latest information.
Delhi’s air quality remained in the hazardous range. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) around 452 at about 8 a.m., within the ‘Severe’ bracket; the index had reached 461 the previous day. Several monitoring stations recorded extremely high readings: Anand Vihar 493, Wazirpur 500, RK Puram 477, Dwarka Sector 8 462, Chandni Chowk 437, Aya Nagar 406, while Kartavya Path was also classified as ‘Severe’. Thick smog was reported over major parts of the capital, including areas near Akshardham, AIIMS and Yashobhoomi.
The CAQM ordered Stage 4 measures after Delhi’s AQI approached the ‘Severe+’ threshold of 450, triggering the strictest emergency pollution controls. The sub-committee said it invoked all actions outlined for Stage IV (Severe+) with immediate effect across the entire NCR to try to prevent further deterioration.
According to CPCB classifications, AQI values above 401 fall in the ‘Severe’ category and pose serious health risks. Authorities have repeatedly advised people to limit outdoor activity as the city continues to contend with prolonged hazardous conditions.
