A thick layer of toxic smog engulfed Delhi on Saturday, pushing the air quality index (AQI) to an alarming 431, the most severe reading this year, as confirmed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Air Quality Early Warning System projected the AQI to remain in the 'severe' category on Sunday. Contributing factors included the transport sector, industries, and construction, with neighboring cities in the NCR like Noida and Ghaziabad playing significant roles in the pollution level.

Monitoring stations recorded severe air pollution across multiple areas, including Wazirpur and Jahangirpuri. The India Meteorological Department forecast fog and moderate temperatures for Sunday, conditions likely to exacerbate the air quality situation.

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