The air quality in Delhi turned ‘severe plus’ over the weekend — triggering strict curbs under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan.
High Commissioner Simon Wong confirmed via social media that an advisory had been issued for Singapore nationals living across the Delhi-NCR. The missive cited the recent imposition of GRAP IV curbs and the various health concerns flagged by authorities amid the spike in air pollution.
“The Delhi authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, especially children and those with respiratory or cardiac ailments and to use masks if stepping out. The High Commission urges Singapore nationals in the Delhi NCR to pay heed to this advice. We also note that given the low visibility, flights to and from the region are likely to be affected…” read an excerpt from the notice.
GRAP IV curbs across Delhi-NCR
The advisory came after the Commission for Air Quality Management invoked 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 also been urged to stay indoors, particularly children, the elderly, and those suffering from respiratory or cardiac conditions, and to wear masks when stepping out.
Delhi’s air quality remained in the hazardous range on Monday. According to data from the CPCB, the city’s overall Air Quality Index stood at 452 at around 8 am, placing it in the ‘Severe’ category. This followed similarly poor conditions on Sunday, when the AQI touched 461 in the afternoon.
AQI soars
Several parts of the city recorded alarming pollution levels. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 493, while Wazirpur touched the maximum level of 500. Other areas such as 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.