Tag: Delhi Air Pollution

National

Severe Delhi Smog: Singapore High Commission Issues Advisory to Nationals as AQI Crosses 400

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

As Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the ‘severe’ category on Monday, the Singapore High Commission in India issued an advisory for its nationals residing in the Delhi-NCR region, urging them to follow official health guidelines and remain cautious amid worsening pollution levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app, the overall Air Quality Index in the capital stood at 437 at 2 pm, with all monitoring stations recording readings of 400 or above.

The advisory was shared by the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi through its official X handle, noting that on December 13, 2025, the Indian authorities invoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan, the highest level of pollution control measures in the Delhi National Capital Region. Under GRAP Stage 4, construction and industrial activities are heavily restricted, while schools and offices are encouraged to shift to a hybrid mode of functioning.

The High Commission highlighted that the Delhi government has advised residents, particularly children and individuals with respiratory or cardiac ailments, to stay indoors and to wear masks when stepping outside. In light of this, the High Commission urged Singapore nationals in the region to pay heed to the advisory and prioritise their health and safety.

The advisory also cautioned travellers about possible disruptions to flight operations due to low visibility caused by thick smog. The Indira Gandhi International Airport and several airlines have issued advisories regarding delays, cancellations and diversions, prompting the High Commission to ask travellers to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates. A contact point was also provided for Singapore nationals requiring consular assistance.

The severe air quality and dense smog have engulfed the national capital for the third consecutive day, significantly impacting daily life and air travel. The CPCB categorises air quality as ‘moderate’ between AQI levels of 101 and 200, ‘poor’ between 201 and 300, ‘very poor’ between 301 and 400, and ‘severe’ for readings above 400. AQI levels of 450 and above fall under ‘severe plus’, while a reading of 500 is considered seriously dangerous.

According to airport authorities, over 400 flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, with 61 cancellations and five diversions reported. In an operational update issued at 2 pm, the Delhi airport said that runway visibility had improved and flight operations were gradually returning to normal. However, it cautioned that some arrivals and departures could still be affected and advised passengers to remain in contact with their airlines for the latest information.

National

Delhi’s Toxic Air is Turning Red Fort Black: Study Raises Alarm

allycaralgoa

Severe air pollution in India’s capital, Delhi, is now leaving a visible scar on one of its most treasured monuments — the Red Fort.

A recent study, published in the open-access scientific journal Heritage, has revealed the formation of “black crusts” on the fort’s red sandstone walls. Conducted between 2021 and 2023 by researchers from India and Italy, the study examined air quality data and samples scraped from the monument.

The findings show that particulate matter — PM2.5 and PM10 — along with other pollutants, are chemically reacting with the fort’s stone surface, creating dark deposits ranging from 0.05mm to 0.5mm in thickness. Over time, these crusts are not only discoloring the walls but also damaging intricate carvings, vaults, arches, and other architectural elements.

Conservation experts fear this could mirror the fate of the Taj Mahal, which has turned yellow and greenish-brown due to pollution. In fact, the Supreme Court had earlier urged urgent steps to protect the Taj.

The Red Fort, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, holds immense historical significance. From being the site where India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag in 1947 to serving as the backdrop for Independence Day speeches, it is both a heritage icon and a living symbol of India’s history.

The study warns that the formation of black crusts is a progressive phenomenon — initially removable, but harder to treat as they deepen. Researchers recommend preventive conservation strategies, including the application of protective stone sealants in highly affected areas, along with urgent steps to reduce pollution.

As Delhi continues to rank among the world’s most polluted cities, this latest evidence underscores not just an environmental crisis, but also a looming cultural tragedy. Without immediate intervention, the city risks losing the vibrant red glow of its Red Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the nation’s greatest treasures.