Delhi Air Pollution: With the onset of winter, air pollution in Delhi has once again reached alarming levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in most parts of the capital has surged close to 500, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. In response to the deteriorating air quality, several countries, including Canada, Singapore, and the United Kingdom (UK), have issued travel advisories for their citizens visiting Delhi.
Singapore Alerts Its Citizens
The Singapore High Commissioner in New Delhi has issued an advisory urging citizens to check their flight status, saying flights may be cancelled due to pollution.
“The Indian Central Pollution Control Board has ordered the implementation of GRAP-4. Singapore citizens living in Delhi NCR are advised to check the status of flights to and from Delhi NCR before traveling. Several airlines have issued advisories at Delhi Airport. For assistance, you can contact the High Commissioner,” the Singapore High Commissioner wrote in the travel advisory.
UK Warns Its Citizens
The United Kingdom has also advised pregnant women and people suffering from heart and respiratory diseases to consult a doctor before travelling to India. The UK wrote in its advisory, "Air pollution can pose a serious health risk. Most cities in North India are affected by pollution during the winter season between October and February. Therefore, children, the elderly, and people suffering from any serious illness should consult a doctor before travelling to India."
Canada Issues Advisory
Canada also issued a travel advisory, saying, "Air pollution due to smog in Delhi can be extremely dangerous. Dust storms occur in North India during winter. During this time, people suffering from respiratory diseases or any other serious illness may face problems."
AQI Nears 500 In Delhi
Delhi was shrouded in a thick blanket of fog this morning, making it difficult for people to breathe. Several flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport were also disrupted. The AQI was found to be severe at 38 out of 40 stations in Delhi.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several hotspots, such as Barakhamba Road, recorded a severe AQI of 474 at 8 am. Pollution levels were even worse near Akshardham, where the AQI peaked at 493, and similar dangerous conditions were reported from Dwarka Sector-14, which registered an AQI of 469.