Toxic smog has obscured India's famed monument to love, the Taj Mahal, about 220km (136 miles) from New Delhi, as well as Sikhism's holiest shrine, the Golden Temple in Amritsar. India's government on Friday banned non-essential construction in New Delhi, and urged residents to avoid burning coal for heating, to combat the worsening air quality.

Primary schools ordered to cease in-person classes as air pollution deteriorates to dangerous levels in Indian capital

Air pollution in the Indian capital is more than 50 times what is considered safe by the World Health Organization.

Residents in India's capital New Delhi again woke under a blanket of choking smog on Friday, a day after authorities closed primary schools and imposed measures aimed at alleviating the

In response to dangerously high pollution levels, the Delhi government has ordered the closure of all primary schools starting Friday, with classes shifting online until further notice. Chief Minister Atishi made the announcement on social media.