A dense fog enveloped Delhi and nearby regions early Saturday (16 November) as the national capital’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the ‘Severe’ category for the fourth straight day. Delhi’s overall AQI was recorded at 404 on Saturday morning, placing it in the ‘Severe’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

Delhi’s air quality remains ‘severe’ for the fourth consecutive day, with the national capital recording an AQI of 436 at 2pm on Saturday. An AQI score ranging between 400 and 500 is considered severe and it is said to cause serious health issues with existing diseases.

Delhi's air quality remains severe, prompting GRAP-III restrictions under which stringent ban will be put in place on construction and demolition activities among others.

GRAP stage 3 came into force at 8am on Friday. The Delhi government announced that classes for primary schools will be shifted to online.

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.