New Delhi shuts primary schools, halts construction as smog deepens

Toxic smog has shrouded the Taj Mahal and Sikhism’s Golden Temple in Amritsar

India’s capital, New Delhi, has ordered all primary schools to switch to online classes amid severe pollution, which has grounded flights and obscured iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal. 

Chief Minister Atishi announced on Thursday that in-person classes would remain suspended “until further notice” while authorities imposed additional measures, including a ban on non-essential construction and a request for residents to avoid burning coal for heating. 

Starting Friday, officials will implement street watering with dust suppressants and mechanised sweeping to help reduce particulate matter. 

Toxic smog has recently enveloped Northern India, shrouding the Taj Mahal, 220 km (136 miles) from Delhi, and Sikhism’s Golden Temple in Amritsar. Flights faced significant delays, with up to 88 per cent of departures postponed, while children flooded hospitals with respiratory issues, including asthma, doctors reported.

Air pollution reached dangerous levels on Wednesday with PM2.5 particles recorded at more than 50 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily limit. 

India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences predicts pollution will remain in the “severe” range before easing slightly. Last month, India’s Supreme Court declared clean air a fundamental right, demanding immediate action from federal and local governments.

Meanwhile, Lahore topped IQAir's global pollution rankings on Thursday as the most polluted city. Facing hazardous air quality, Punjab authorities recently established a "smog war room" to coordinate pollution control measures. 

Officials last week indicated the government is also exploring artificial rain techniques as part of efforts to reduce toxic smog levels across the province.