New Delhi(FNO): Air quality in the national capital worsened sharply as Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the severe zone and leaving residents struggling to breathe fresh air.

The dense smog settled over the city overnight, drastically reducing visibility and triggering health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments. Several areas reported hazy conditions through the morning hours, with pollution levels remaining critically high.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI reading between 0 and 50 is classified as good, 51–100 as satisfactory, 101–200 as moderate, 201–300 as poor, 301–400 as very poor, and 401–500 as severe. On Wednesday morning, multiple monitoring stations in Delhi recorded AQI levels in the severe bracket.

Doctors have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, while authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid fears of further deterioration if weather conditions remain unfavourable.