New Delhi, December 15 (ANI): The High Commission of Singapore in New Delhi on Monday issued an advisory urging Singapore nationals in the Delhi National Capital Region to take precautions after Indian authorities enforced the strictest pollution curbs under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The advisory followed the Commission for Air Quality Management invoking GRAP Stage 4 on December 13 as air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas deteriorated sharply. At this stage, construction and industrial activities are heavily restricted, while schools and offices are advised to shift to hybrid or online modes. Residents have been urged to stay indoors, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions, and to wear masks when stepping out.
Sharing the advisory on X, Singapore’s Ambassador to India, Simon Wong, asked Singapore nationals in the Delhi NCR to pay close attention to local health advisories and pollution-related restrictions. The High Commission also warned that low visibility caused by dense smog could disrupt air travel, noting that Indira Gandhi International Airport and several airlines have already issued advisories. Travellers were asked to check directly with airlines for the latest updates.
Delhi’s air quality remained in the hazardous range on Monday. According to CPCB data, the city’s overall Air Quality Index was 452 at around 8 am, placing it in the ‘Severe’ category; it had touched 461 on Sunday. Several parts of the city recorded alarming levels: Anand Vihar 493, Wazirpur 500, RK Puram 477, Dwarka Sector 8 462, Chandni Chowk 437, Aya Nagar 406, and Kartavya Path were also classified as ‘Severe’. Thick smog was visible across large parts of the capital, including Akshardham, AIIMS, and Yashobhoomi.
On Saturday, CAQM ordered the implementation of GRAP Stage 4 after Delhi’s AQI neared the ‘Severe+’ threshold of 450, triggering the toughest emergency pollution measures. “Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and in an effort to prevent further deterioration… the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR,” the order stated.
Under CPCB guidelines, AQI levels above 401 fall in the ‘Severe’ category and pose serious health risks. Authorities have advised people to limit outdoor activities as Delhi continues to grapple with prolonged hazardous air conditions. (ANI)
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