Delhi's air quality slipped into the 'severe-plus' category as thick smog reduced visibility and disrupted daily life. Several countries have issued health advisories for their citizens amid rising pollution levels.
Toxic smog engulfs Delhi, triggers health advisories from UK, Canada and Singapore
Delhi woke up to another day of toxic air on Monday as dense smog blanketed the city and pushed pollution levels into the ‘severe’ category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 498, close to the maximum level of 500, making the national capital one of the most polluted cities in the world at present.
Poor visibility, flight disruptions and rising health concerns marked the worsening crisis.
As pollution levels continued to climb, foreign governments, including Singapore, the United Kingdom and Canada, issued advisories urging their nationals to take precautions while staying in or travelling to northern India.
Despite the enforcement of the strictest anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), residents saw little relief, with weather conditions further trapping pollutants throughout the region.
FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS ISSUE HEALTH ADVISORIES
Singapore advised its citizens to stay alert to possible flight delays and cancellations due to low visibility caused by smog. The United Kingdom warned pregnant women and people with heart or respiratory conditions to consult doctors before travelling to India, calling winter pollution a serious health hazard.
Canada also asked its nationals to closely monitor air quality levels, which can change rap...
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