In the latest development, the National Capital wakes up witnessing thick smog. The Air Quality Index(AQI) remains in the Severe category. #WATCH | Delhi: A layer of smog envelops the National Capital as the air quality continues to remain in the ‘Severe’ category as per the CPCB.

Delhi's air pollution woes continue to get worse with each day, as over 14 areas in the national capital recorded an AQI of over 400 on Sunday. Most of these areas that had ‘very poor’ air quality last week, have now fallen to the ‘severe’ zone, CPCB data showed.

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.

Every year, Delhi and northern states battle hazardous air during the winter months of October to January due to plummeting temperatures, smoke, dust, low wind speed, vehicular emissions and crop stubble burning. This time, experts say that the condition is likely to get worse in the coming days.

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.

Private BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles were banned from roads with violations inviting a penalty of ₹20,000.

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.