Tag: Delhi smog

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.

Human Interest

Jonty Rhodes Compares Delhi’s Toxic Air to Goa’s Clean Breeze: “Hardto Digest”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

South African cricketing legend Jonty Rhodes has raised alarm over Delhi’s worsening air pollution, calling it “hard to digest” and comparing it with the clean, refreshing air of Goa. Passing through Delhi en route via Ranchi, Rhodes took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude for living in a small fishing village in South Goa, far from the choking smog engulfing the national capital.

Rhodes’ post came as Delhi recorded its worst air quality levels of the year, with thick smog blanketing the city and pollution levels reaching “severe” on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Using the hashtags #AQI and #whats2Bdone, the former South African cricketer drew attention to the growing environmental crisis and urged awareness about India’s air quality challenges.

Alongside his message, Rhodes shared a photo of his children playing football on a Goan beach — a moment of joy that highlighted the contrast between Goa’s open, breathable environment and Delhi’s hazardous conditions. “If this was in Delhi, they’d probably be playing indoors,” he suggested, pointing to the alarming difference in lifestyle caused by pollution.

Known for his association with India through the Indian Premier League and his enduring connection with Goa, Rhodes’ remarks resonated with many online users who echoed his concerns about Delhi’s air and the urgent need for long-term solutions.

As the national capital continues to battle smog and health advisories warn residents to limit outdoor activities, Rhodes’ post serves as both a reminder and a wake-up call — urging reflection on the state of urban air quality and the importance of protecting cleaner, greener spaces like Goa.

Human Interest

Delhi’s Air Quality Plunges to ‘Very Poor’ at 311 Amid Health Crisis and Political Blame Game

allycaralgoa

By Allycaral Desk

Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on November 6, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 311, placing it in the “very poor” category. In some residential pockets, personal monitors recorded PM2.5 levels above 600 — far exceeding WHO’s safe limits.

Hospitals across the city, including AIIMS and Safdarjung, have reported a nearly 60% rise in cases of respiratory distress, asthma, bronchitis, and eye irritation. Pediatric wards and maternity units are particularly overwhelmed as children and pregnant women face the worst of the toxic air.

Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such pollution levels can cause irreversible lung damage and cardiovascular risks. “The air quality is equivalent to smoking multiple cigarettes a day,” said Dr. R.K. Sharma, a pulmonologist at AIIMS.

Environmentalists blame multiple factors, including stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. Satellite data from SAFAR India shows over 1,800 active fire spots in northern states contributing to Delhi’s haze.

Amid the crisis, political parties — Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — have accused each other of data manipulation and failure to implement pollution control measures.
While Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has called for “cooperative federal solutions,” BJP leaders have slammed the government’s “ineffective” odd-even scheme and delayed action plans.

In response, citizen groups and climate activists have announced a protest at India Gate on November 9, demanding stricter enforcement of emission norms and emergency public health interventions.

Despite air purifiers and “clean zones,” experts stress that systemic reform — not temporary measures — is the need of the hour.

“Delhi’s fight for clean air must go beyond politics. It’s about survival,” said environmental researcher Meera Menon.

As the national capital struggles to breathe, one thing is clear — the crisis is both an environmental and human emergency.

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