Canada, UK, Singapore Issue Travel Advisories As North India Chokes Under Smog

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI: Growing concern over hazardous air pollution in northern India has prompted several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, to issue travel advisories warning their citizens about deteriorating air quality in the region.

The advisories were issued on December 15 as Delhi and other north Indian cities continued to be engulfed in dense smog, with air quality levels reaching severe and hazardous categories. In parts of the national capital, the Air Quality Index climbed as high as 493, close to the maximum level of 500, underscoring the seriousness of the pollution crisis. Delhi’s AQI reached 461 on December 14, marking the city’s most polluted day this winter.

According to India’s Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, and 401 to 500 severe.

Canada issues a warning, advising travelers to regularly monitor air quality levels, especially those suffering from respiratory ailments or other preexisting health conditions. The Canadian advisory noted that smoke haze and other forms of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in urban centers such as Delhi, with conditions typically worsening during winter.

In addition to urban pollution, the advisory pointed out that rural areas in northern India can be affected by agricultural burning, while dust storms are also common across the region. Travelers were advised to remain alert as pollution levels can change rapidly.

The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi cautioned its citizens to closely monitor flight schedules, noting that dense smog had led to multiple flight cancellations across northern India. Travelers were advised to stay updated on local conditions as visibility remained poor in several major cities.

Earlier, the United Kingdom updated its travel advisory for India, highlighting the health risks posed by severe air pollution, particularly during the winter months from October to February. The advisory stated that north Indian cities are most affected by extremely high pollution levels and warned that air quality during this period can pose a major health hazard.

The UK advisory specifically urged pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with pre existing heart or respiratory conditions to take extra precautions. It recommended that those who are pregnant or have underlying medical conditions consult a medical practitioner before traveling to India.