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.

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.

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

India's capital New Delhi ordered all primary schools to cease in-person classes until further notice on Thursday night due to worsening smog in the sprawling megacity. "Due to rising pollution levels,