Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 18: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘severe’ category on Sunday as dense fog enveloped the national capital, sharply reducing visibility and aggravating pollution levels across the city.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 444, placing it in the severe category. An AQI level above 401 is considered hazardous and poses serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people suffering from respiratory illnesses.

Weather conditions remained unfavourable for the dispersion of pollutants, with relative humidity touching 100 per cent at 8.30 am. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert, warning of dense fog at isolated places during the morning hours.

Officials said the combination of low temperatures, calm winds and high moisture levels led to the accumulation of pollutants, further worsening air quality across the national capital.