Whatever the causes of the smog, by one ranking Delhi was not just the most polluted city in the world, but “nearly five times as bad as the second most polluted city, Dhaka,” in Bangladesh next door, as Shashi Tharoor, a leader of the opposition in Parliament and best-selling author, posted on X.

New Delhi government employees have been ordered to work from home as toxic smog continues to blanket India's capital on Friday.

Many of the regulars at Lodhi Garden in New Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted cities, say they won’t let rising pollution levels deter their daily visits.

Toxic smog engulfed much of northern India on Monday and pollution readings in New Delhi hit their highest of this pre-winter season, after dense fog overnight.

Unhealthy

A thick, toxic smog has enveloped India's capital, home to more than 33 million people. One technology firm which monitors air pollution ranked New Delhi as the most polluted city in the world.

NCR have consistently ranged between the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories. Owing to the deteriorating level of air quality, the authorities in Noida have decided to continue the online classes for school students on Monday as well.

Delhi woke up to hazardous air quality on Sunday, with several areas reporting 'Very Poor' AQI levels. Residents expressed concern over the deteriorating air quality, particularly for early morning commuters and athletes.

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to severe levels, forcing Noida schools to operate online until November 27. The District Inspector of Schools confirmed the suspension of physical classes due to hazardous AQI readings.