Authorities in India’s capital shut schools, halted construction and banned non-essential trucks from entering the city on Monday after air pollution shot up to its worst level this season. Residents of New Delhi woke up to thick,

Authorities in India’s capital have shut schools, halted construction and banned non-essential trucks from entering the city on Monday after air pollution shot up to its worst level this season. Residents of New Delhi woke up to thick, toxic smog enveloping the city of 33 million inhabitants as the air quality became increasingly hazardous.

The Indian capital closed all schools, banned lorries and halted construction work on Monday as air quality in New Delhi plummeted to its worst level this year, with a thick layer of yellowish haze engulfing the city of 22 million.

In Delhi NCR, GRAP Stage 4 was implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) at 8 a.m. today after the Air Quality Index (AQI) fell into the "severe plus" category. This decision was reached following an urgent meeting of the GRAP subcommittee on November 17,

The Supreme Court agreed for an urgent hearing of a plea on Monday seeking directions to curb air pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas.

The air quality in Delhi deteriorated, prompting GRAP IV restrictions. Schools for students up to Class 11 will switch to online learning, construction work will be banned, and only specific vehicles