Singapore High Commission Urges Citizens Against Heavy Fog in Delhi

The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi has issued an advisory for its nationals living in the Delhi-NCR to take safety precautions against dense fog in the capital.

High Commissioner Simon Wong explained that the advisory was issued "in light of the CPCB invoking Stage 4 of GRAP."

The advisory has urged Singapore citizens in Delhi NCR to stay indoors as much as possible. It also advises them to wear masks outside, take precautions against the severe air quality and check with airlines and airport authorities for flight updates, as flights to and from Delhi could be affected. This is the first time that a foreign embassy in Delhi has issued a public advisory specifically about the air pollution.

Delhi's air pollution has reached extreme levels, forcing the CPCB to trigger the strictest emergency measures under GRAP. Indian Central Pollution Control Board has setup Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the wake of heavy fog engulfed the city.

Why the Advisory Was Issued

The CPCB invoked Stage 4 of GRAP because Delhi's air quality had worsened sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 498. AQI is a number that shows how polluted the air is.

• An AQI between 401 and 500 is classified as severe.
• An AQI between 301 and 400 is destitute.
• An AQI between 201 and 300 is poor.
• An AQI between 101 and 200 is moderate.
• An AQI between 51 and 100 is satisfactory.
• An AQI between 0 and 50 is acceptable.

Last Sunday, Delhi had recorded an AQI of 461, making it the most polluted day since the winter started and the second worst December day on record. Weak winds and low temperatures trapped pollutants close to the ground, worsening the situation.

Stage 4 of GRAP Means

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a step by step system used in Delhi to fight the air pollution. Stage 4 is the highest level of emergency measures.

Delhi authorities are planning to stop construction and industrial activities and encourage schools and offices to shift to hybrid or remote work. It warns that air travel may be disrupted due to low visibility.

The current situation in Delhi has become severe, with the AQI settling at 498. While 38 monitoring stations reported severe levels, 2 stations reported very poor levels. Jahangirpuri recorded the city's worst air quality. Residents have been urged to take precautions amid dense smog, fog, and severely reduced visibility.

Legal Action

The Supreme Court announced it will hear a plea against worsening Delhi NCR air pollution on December 17. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pamcholi, noted that preventive measures exist but are not being implemented effectively.