Denizens of New Delhi began another day with 'severe' levels of air pollution across the city on Saturday. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has forecast 'very poor' air quality for the next six 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.

The air quality of the national capital remained in the "severe" category on Saturday morning with the AQI settling at 407 at 9 am, according to the

In an immediate effort to reduce the impact of polluted air, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Friday a revision of working hours across government offices, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings and particulate matter (PM) levels in various parts of the city are as follows:

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.