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 till yesterday, 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 ambience. "The weather and cool air are so perfect for outdoor seating, but the pollution is so unbearable. It's a big no to sitting outdoors now!" says Kritika Dogra, 23, a graphic designer. Scotchie Kandhari, founder of Easy Tiger in Gurugram, says, "Guests who once preferred al fresco evenings are now opting for indoor tables. Overall preferences have shifted indoors until the city's air quality improves." Faced with a discerning clientele, restaurants are innovating their indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure safety and comfort. Aashita Relan Marwah, founder of Royal China Delhi, notes a higher demand for air-purified spaces, especially among families. "While Delhi's outdoor dining culture remains strong in spirit, the worsening AQI has clearly shifted guest preferences. We're seeing a higher demand for indoor, air-purified spaces, especially for families. Restaurants are adapting with improved ventilation and creative indoor ambiance to ensure guests can still enjoy a safe dining experience," she says. Some restaurants are fighting pollution with plants and technology. Chef Parth Gupta of Cicchetti Italiano in Khan Market shares that his eatery has enhanced its outdoor area with 15 palm trees and 5 spider plants to boost air freshness and aesthetics. They have also installed a large mist fan to create a more breathable environment. Chef and founder Bhagyesh Tekriwal of Sorbo, Gurugram, shares how he "has introduced a range of air-purifying plants, like areca palms, snake plants, bamboo plants, and peace lilies, and also uses a mist provision to help pollution settle before opening the terrace"....