International Travel Alert: UK, Canada, And Singapore Warn Citizens Against Delhi’s ‘Toxic Air’ | India News
The deteriorating air quality in Delhi and the North has sparked an international health concern. The United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore have issued individual travel advisories warning people to exercise extreme caution or reconsider traveling to the region due to the danger of air pollution.
The situation is still grim with the Central Pollution Control Board stating that the Air Quality Index has become hazardous and has touched 493 in places like Anand Vihar.
Health Advice Revealed from England and Canada
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The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice highlighted that air pollution poses a significant health risk in northern India, particularly from October to February.
The FCDO has specifically identified vulnerable groups as follows:
Doctors to Consult: Pregnant women and people with heart and respiratory diseases are advised to consult their doctors before going to India.
High Risk: The warning predicted that the consequences of pollution could be “more serious” for children, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Likewise, Canada issued a travel health advisory for citizens, advising those who have breathing problems to closely monitor air quality. Air pollution from smog and smog is more common in urban areas like Delhi during winter and in rural areas due to burning of crop residues, according to the Canadian health notice.
Singapore advises caution, citing GRAP-4
Considering the implementation of Phase 4 of the Gradual Response Action Plan (GRAP 4) in India, Singaporeans living in the Delhi NCR region and planning to travel there should exercise caution, a statement issued by the Singapore High Commission said.
The High Commission recommended that:
- Be aware of the air quality level.
- Check air quality conditions before making final travel arrangements.
Delhi Air Quality Still ‘Severe’ and Impairing Life
These warning signals come at a time when Delhi is struggling under a blanket of smog and very poor air quality. In different regions, AQI reached high levels above 400, even touching “Severe” or “Dangerous” levels and crossed the 500 mark in some regions.
Dense fog surrounding the area caused reduced visibility, resulting in large-scale operational disruptions:
Aviation: More than 200 flights were canceled or diverted at Delhi Airport in the last 24 hours.
Education: The government in Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad has ordered schools to start digital or hybrid learning for children up to Class 5.
Education for Crisis Solution
The government has implemented drastic measures as a result of GRAP-4, including a directive for a complete halt to all construction and demolition activities and for offices to operate at 50% capacity. However, the capital’s air quality remains a serious health problem.
READ ALSO | Toxic Smog Chokes Delhi, Zero Visibility Causes Disruptions on Airlines, 228 Flights Canceled
