Singapore Issues Advisory as Delhi Air Quality Remains Severe

As air pollution levels continued to remain dangerously high in the national capital, the Singapore High Commission in India issued an advisory for its nationals living in the Delhi National Capital Region. The advisory urged Singapore citizens to strictly follow the health and safety instructions issued by local authorities amid worsening air quality conditions.

On Monday, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index remained in the ‘severe’ category, with pollution levels posing serious health risks. By 2 pm, the AQI stood at 437, while most air quality monitoring stations across the city recorded readings above 400. Such levels are considered extremely harmful, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart-related illnesses.

In its advisory, the Singapore High Commission asked its nationals to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear protective masks when stepping outside. It also advised them to closely follow the guidelines announced by the Delhi government in response to the severe air pollution.

The advisory came after authorities activated the highest stage of pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR. Under these restrictions, construction and industrial activities have been heavily limited, and educational institutions and offices have been encouraged to shift to hybrid or remote work formats to reduce exposure.

The Singapore High Commission also warned that poor visibility caused by dense smog could disrupt air travel. Nationals were advised to keep a close check on their flight schedules and remain in contact with their respective airlines, as delays and cancellations were likely due to ongoing weather and pollution conditions.

For the third consecutive day, thick smog continued to blanket Delhi, affecting both domestic and international flight operations. More than 400 flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, while dozens were cancelled or diverted. Low visibility during take-off and landing hours caused significant disruptions, adding to passenger inconvenience.

Later in the afternoon, airport authorities stated that runway visibility had improved and flight operations were gradually returning to normal. However, they cautioned that some arrivals and departures could still face delays and advised passengers to stay updated through airline notifications.

Authorities classify air quality readings above 400 as ‘severe’, indicating a serious health emergency. Prolonged exposure to such pollution levels can lead to breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and long-term health complications.

The Singapore High Commission also shared contact details for consular assistance, assuring its nationals that support would be available if required during the ongoing pollution crisis.

Delhi continues to battle hazardous air pollution as winter conditions, low wind speed, and rising emissions worsen the situation. With air quality remaining critical, residents and visitors alike have been urged to take precautions until conditions improve.