Delhi braces for GRAP curbs as AQI soars; Singapore battles wildfire haze. How do the two compare?

Singapore’s air quality deteriorated to an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 287, classified as unhealthy on a live air-quality dashboard, as smoke from Indonesian wildfires intensified across Southeast Asia. The reading showed PM2.5 concentrations of 116 micrograms per cubic metre and PM10 levels of 164 micrograms per cubic metre. Delhi, meanwhile, recorded an AQI of 165 at 9 am on Thursday, placing it in the moderate category, according to India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The worsening haze has raised concerns about the health effects of fine-particle pollution across the region. East Timor has also suspended in-person classes for three days in response to pollution from wildfires in neighbouring areas.

Singapore vs Delhi AQI: How do the pollution levels compare?

Singapore’s reported AQI was 122 points higher than Delhi’s reading on Thursday, 15 October. The air quality in India's national capital was recorded in the 'moderate' category at 9 am, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 165, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.

Under India’s CPCB classification, an AQI between 101 and 200 is moderate, while readings between 201 and 300 are considered poor.

Singapore’s live dashboard categorises its reading of 287 as unhealthy, reflecting differences in the terminology used by air-quality monitoring systems.

Singapore’s pollutant readings included carbon monoxide at 1,611 parts per billion (ppb), sulphur dioxide at 1 ppb, nitrogen dioxide at 2 ppb and ozone at 10 ppb.

PM2.5 refers to fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. Because these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, prolonged exposure can pose health risks. PM10 includes larger airborne particles, which can also affect the respiratory system.

The two cities’ readings were recorded at different times and may follow different reporting systems. They therefore provide a snapshot of their respective pollution levels rather than a direct, simultaneous comparison.

Indonesian wildfires intensify haze across Southeast Asia

Singapore’s pollution spike comes as Indonesia experiences its most intense wildfire season in 11 years. Dry weather conditions linked to El Niño have contributed to the fires, worsening air quality across the region and raising concerns about respiratory illnesses.

East Timor announced a three-day suspension of face-to-face learning beginning Thursday, citing pollution from wildfires in neighbouring regions or countries. Although its government did not name Indonesia, East Timor shares an island with Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, where multiple fire hotspots have been reported.

The regional impact of the haze has renewed concerns about transboundary air pollution, in which smoke from fires crosses national borders and affects neighbouring countries.

Indonesia deploys more than 69,000 personnel to fight fires

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered additional resources to tackle the wildfires. Honi Havana, an official at the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, said the government was expanding its response.

“We are mobilizing all our resources and capabilities,” Havana said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

He said more than 69,000 firefighting personnel had been deployed, compared with around 44,000 in mid-September. Authorities are also testing specialised chemicals to improve firefighting operations.

Peatland fires remain particularly difficult to extinguish because they can smoulder beneath the surface and reignite. Disaster mitigation agency spokesperson Berton Panjaitan stressed the importance of rainfall in containing them.

“We must recognize that the only way to resolve this is through sustained rainfall,” he said.

The haze has also affected Malaysia, where several states have closed schools. With Southeast Asian foreign ministers expected to discuss transboundary haze at an ASEAN meeting next month, pressure is mounting on Indonesia to strengthen its response to the fires.

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