International travel alert: Britain, Canada and Singapore warn citizens against Delhi’s ‘toxic air’

Deteriorating air quality in Delhi and North Delhi has raised international health concerns. The United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore have issued separate travel warnings advising people to exercise extreme caution or reconsider traveling to the region due to the threat of air pollution. The situation is still serious, with the Central Pollution Control Board indicating that the air quality index has reached hazardous levels and has reached as high as 493 in places like Anand Vihar. It was noted that air pollution is a significant health risk in northern India, especially between October and February. The FCDO has specifically identified the following vulnerable groups: Doctors for advice: Pregnant women and people with heart and respiratory diseases are advised to consult their doctor before traveling to India. High risk: The consequences of pollution may be “more severe” for children, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions, the warning said. Similarly, Canada has issued an advisory to its citizens. Has issued a travel health warning, advising those, especially those with breathing problems, to keep a close eye on air quality. According to Canada’s health warning, air pollution is higher in urban areas like Delhi during the winter season due to fog and smoke, and in rural areas due to crop residue burning. Singapore advises to take precautions citing GRAP-4A statement issued by the Singapore High Commission said that in view of the implementation of Phase 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP 4) in India, people living in and traveling to the Delhi NCR region are advised to take precautions. Singaporeans intending to travel should exercise caution. The High Commission advised: Be aware of air quality levels. Check the air quality situation before making final travel arrangements. Air quality in Delhi remains ‘severe’, disrupting life The warning signal comes at a time when Delhi is in the grip of smog and extremely poor air quality. The AQI has crossed 400 in various areas, even reaching “severe” or “hazardous” levels, and in some areas it has even crossed 500. Dense fog engulfing the area has reduced visibility, causing massive disruption to operations:Aviation: Over 200 flights were canceled or diverted at Delhi airport in the last 24 hours.Education: The governments of Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad have ordered schools to start digital or hybrid learning for children up to Class 5. To deal with the crisis in education as a result of GRAP-4, the government has imposed stringent measures, including a complete stop on all construction and demolition activities and directing offices to function at 50% capacity. Despite this, the capital’s air quality remains a serious health concern.