Singapore issues air quality advisory for nationals in Delhi as AQI nears 500

Delhi’s air pollution worsened further on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498, classified in the extreme ‘severe’ category.

The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi, on Monday, issued an advisory for its nationals in the Delhi-NCR region following the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) invocation of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

This marks the first time any foreign embassy in Delhi has issued an air pollution-specific advisory.

“In light of the Indian Central Pollution Control Board invoking Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan, the Singapore High Commission has issued the following advisory for Singapore nationals in the Delhi NCR,” said High Commissioner Simon Wong.

In light of the Indian Central Pollution Control Board invoking Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan, the Singapore High Commission has issued the following advisory for Singapore nationals in the Delhi NCR. - HC Wong pic.twitter.com/vPIv0LjTnd

— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) December 15, 2025

The advisory urges Singaporeans to adhere to guidelines issued by Indian authorities, including staying indoors, wearing masks when outside, and taking precautions against the severe air quality. It has also stated that flights to and from Delhi could be affected, urging travellers to check with airlines and airport authorities for updates.

Stage 4 of GRAP, the highest level of pollution curbs, restricts construction and industrial activity, encourages hybrid work for schools and offices, and may disrupt air travel due to low visibility.

Delhi’s air pollution worsened further on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 498, classified in the extreme ‘severe’ category. Jahangirpuri recorded the city’s worst air quality, while 38 stations recorded ‘severe’ and two stations ‘very poor’ levels.

According to the CPCB, AQI levels of 401-500 are considered severe, 301-400 very poor, 201-300 poor, 101-200 moderate, 51-100 satisfactory, and 0-50 good.

On Sunday, Delhi had already recorded an AQI of 461, the most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December air quality day on record, as weak winds and low temperatures trapped pollutants close to the ground.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, on Monday, announced that it will hear a plea related to worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR on December 17. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pamcholi heard submissions from senior advocate Aprajita Singh, assisting as amicus curiae, that preventive measures exist but are poorly implemented.

Residents of Delhi-NCR have been urged to take precautions amid dense smog, fog, and severely low visibility, as authorities continue to enforce GRAP Stage 4 measures to combat the crisis.