New Delhi: While travel advisories for citizens are issued by countries from time to time, urging them not to travel to areas affected by strife, the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi has now cautioned its nationals against the High levels of polution in the Delhi-NCR region.
This follows similar advisories by the UK and Canada.
Singapore’s advisory was issued on Monday, following the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) invocation of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
“In light of the Indian Central Pollution Control Board invoking Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan, the Singapore High Commission has issued the following advisory for Singapore nationals in the Delhi NCR,” a statement from the High Commission read.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office had earlier said that pregnant women, people with heart or respiratory condition should consult a doctor before travelling to India, as reported by TOI.
“Severe air pollution is a major health hazard, especially during the winter months from October to February. North Indian cities are most affected by extremely high levels of pollution,” its advisory reads.
“Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. If you’re pregnant or have a respiratory or heart condition you may wish to consult a medical practitioner before you travel,” the statement adds.
A similar advisory was issued by Canada, which asked travelers to monitor air quality regularly, especially if someone is suffering from respiratory ailment.
“Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in urban areas and cities such as Delhi. It’s typically at its worst in winter. In rural areas, air quality can be affected by agricultural burning,” the advisory said.
“Dust storms also occur across northern India. Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions,” the statement added.
This is probably the first time such advisories have been issued.
Stage 4 of GRAP, the highest level of pollution curbs, restricts construction and industrial activity, encourages hybrid work for schools and offices, and may disrupt air travel due to low visibility.
The air polution in Delhi worsened further on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498, classified in the extreme ‘severe’ category. Jahangirpuri recorded the city’s worst air quality, while 38 stations recorded ‘severe’ and two stations ‘very poor’ levels.
AQI levels of 401-500 are considered severe, 301-400 very poor, 201-300 poor, 101-200 moderate, 51-100 satisfactory, and 0-50 good, as per the CPCB.
Delhi had already recorded an AQI of 461 on Sunday, the most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December air quality day on record, as weak winds and low temperatures trapped pollutants close to the ground, as reported by Moneycontrol.
The Supreme Court, on Monday, announced that it will hear a plea related to worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR on December 17. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pamcholi heard submissions from senior advocate Aprajita Singh, assisting as amicus curiae, that preventive measures exist but are poorly implemented.
Residents of Delhi-NCR have been urged to take precautions amid dense smog, fog, and severely low visibility, as authorities continue to enforce GRAP Stage 4 measures to combat the crisis.
