Northern India encountered the recurring annual pre-winter event of air emergency where the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of main pollutant PM 2.5 breached the 400-mark of “very poor” and landed the air of Delhi, Punjab and other northern cities into the “hazardous” category.

Delhi's air quality remains severely polluted for the fifth consecutive day, prompting the government to implement stricter measures. The ban on older vehicles aims to combat the hazardous smog engulfing the city and protect public health.

The air quality in Delhi remained in the “severe” category for the fourth day in a row on Saturday. The average air quality index, or AQI, stood at 408 at 1pm local, according to the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ System of Air Quality and Weather

Delhi's air quality reached hazardous levels with an AQI of 409, prompting urgent health advisories and government measures amid severe pollution.

Air pollution choking New Delhi has ground outdoor work to a halt and disrupted air travel in the Indian capital.

After reaching a peak, Delhi’s AQI has remained in the ‘severe’ category for the fourth day in a row. Covered in a thick blanket of fog and pollution, the poor visibility has even caused many school to remain closed for the past few days.

The GRAP 3 curbs in Delhi include ban on demolition and construction activities, and entry of certain vehicles inside Delhi-NCR, among other curbs, to prevent further deterioration of air quality.