India, Nov. 14 -- The much-anticipated season for al fresco dining in Delhi-NCR is hitting a wall, not because of the weather, but because of the alarming state of the air. Despite anti-pollution measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-III, the Air Quality Index (AQI) had soared above 400 in the 'severe' category, forcing diners to reconsider their seating choices.

Restaurateurs across the Capital are reporting a clear dip in demand for outdoor tables, prompting a rapid change to make indoor dining more appealing and safer.

The sentiment on the ground is clear: pollution is winning over ambiance. "The weather and cool air is so perfect for outdoor seating but the pollution is so unbearable. It's a big no to sit outdoors now...