Singapore Urges Nationals Indoors as Delhi Air Quality Worsens Rapidly
Updated on Dec - 15 - 2025, 11:57 AM
Delhi’s air pollution crisis has taken an international turn as the Singapore High Commission in India recently issued a formal advisory for its citizens residing in the national capital. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the “severe” category for multiple consecutive days, the advisory urges Singaporean nationals to “stay indoors” as much as possible, minimize outdoor exposure, and follow health precautions to shield against hazardous air conditions.
The recommendation comes amid persistent smog and hazardous particulate levels blanketing Delhi-NCR, which have affected daily life across the region. Residents have been reporting visible haze, reduced visibility, and escalating health symptoms such as sore throats, eye irritation, coughing and difficulty breathing particularly among vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such conditions can have long-term health implications.
Key Points of Singapore’s Advisory
Stay Indoors: Nationals are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially during peak pollution hours.
Wear Masks: Use of protective masks (such as N95) is recommended if stepping outside for essential needs.
Monitor Flights: The advisory also suggested that residents keep an eye on their flight schedules and stay in touch with airlines amid potential delays due to air quality issues.
Authorities in Delhi have activated higher levels of pollution control under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), restricting certain vehicular movements, halting construction work, and urging citizens to exercise caution. The severe AQI levels are fueled in part by winter weather patterns, stagnant air, ongoing vehicle emissions and nearby agricultural burning in neighbouring regions conditions that trap pollutants and turn the air increasingly toxic.
Educational institutions, businesses and local governments have also been adjusting their operations, with schools switching to hybrid or online classes and many office workers opting to limit travel. Meanwhile, residents equipped with air purifiers and high-grade masks are taking personal steps to mitigate risks yet public health professionals stress that these short-term measures cannot replace long-term solutions to curtail emissions and improve air quality sustainably.
Local health advisories reinforce that even healthy adults can experience symptoms such as chest discomfort and persistent coughing under such pollution levels. For children, those with heart or lung conditions, and pregnant individuals, the risks are particularly acute. Medical practitioners recommend limiting time outdoors, ensuring clean indoor air, and seeking prompt care if respiratory distress occurs.
As pollution draws international attention and advisories, the situation in Delhi underlines the severity of urban air crises and the urgent need for coordinated environmental actions at both local and national levels.