A thick blanket of toxic smog engulfed most parts of northern India on Monday and readings of air quality in the capital New Delhi hit their highest this year after dense fog overnight.

As of 10am today, Delhi's AQI stands in the "severe" category. Anand Vihar at 457, Chandni Chowk at 388, Lodhi Road at 375, Jahangirpuri at 465, whereas in the NCR region, Ghaziabad is at 425, Noida Sector 1 at 268 and Gurugram Sector 51 at 281.

Despite "severe" AQI, many in Delhi are choosing to step outside, continuing their daily routines in the city’s parks.