On Saturday morning, several areas in Delhi experienced significantly reduced visibility due to dense fog, with the air quality index (AQI) reaching 384, which is dangerously close to the 'severe' category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI classifications are as follows: 'poor' for values between 201 and 300, 'very poor' for 301 to 400, and 'severe' for 401 to 500.

Official reports indicated that by 8:30 AM, the lowest visibility was recorded at Safdarjung, dropping to just 200 meters, while Palam reported visibility of 350 meters.

Authorities noted that thick fog and haze enveloped many parts of the capital, leading to significantly reduced visibility. The CPCB's data revealed that out of 40 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, 16 reported 'severe' AQI levels, while 24 stations recorded 'very poor' levels. ITO had the worst AQI at 437.

On Friday, Delhi's AQI was recorded at 374, with 11 monitoring stations falling into the 'severe' category and 29 in the 'very poor' category. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) has predicted that adverse weather conditions could worsen pollution levels over the next two days, potentially pushing the AQI into the 'severe' category on Sunday and Monday.

To combat rising pollution levels, a ban on private vehicles not meeting BS-VI standards has been in effect since Thursday. Additionally, the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule is being strictly enforced.

Under the 'No PUC, No Fuel' regulation, vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate are denied fuel at petrol stations. According to the pollution monitoring app 'SAFAR', on Saturday, Noida's AQI was recorded at 416, while Greater Noida reported 362, Ghaziabad 360, and Gurugram 348.