Goa, Dec. 13 -- Residents of the national capital and adjoining regions woke up to dense smog on Saturday, with Delhi's overall air quality edging close to the 'severe' category, raising fresh health concerns.

Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 390 at 8 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category. However, air quality in several parts of Delhi deteriorated further, slipping into the 'severe' range.

Areas reporting critically high pollution levels included Anand Vihar and Ghazipur with an AQI of 435 each, Jahangirpuri at 442, Rohini at 436, Chandni Chowk at 419, Burari Crossing at 415, and RK Puram at 404, according to CPCB readings.

A combination of...