New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- The national capital recorded its first "poor" air quality day of the season here on Wednesday morning, as a thick layer of haze engulfed parts of the city following overnight Dussehra celebrations.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 238 at 10:00 AM. The sudden spike marks a significant jump of 59 points from Tuesday afternoon's reading of 179.

According to CPCB data from 56 of Delhi's 59 monitoring stations, two locations-Jahangirpuri and Pusa-entered the "very poor" air quality category, registering AQI levels of 308 and 314, respectively.

Meanwhile, 16 stations, including Anand Vihar, maintained air quality in the "moderate" category. Env...