Delhi pollution hits severe mark, schools shut for 2 days

Neighbouring Gurugram has also taken measures to counter pollution.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "In light of the rising pollution levels, all govt and private primary schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next 2 days".

A central pollution control panel has banned non-essential construction activity in the National Capital Region – which includes Gautam Budh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurugram.

The entry of diesel trucks into the city has also been banned.

Several other measures will also come into effect as part of Stage III of the Graded Action Response Plan, which was framed to tackle the annual surge in pollution in the capital and the surrounding areas.

Gurugram District Magistrate has banned burning waste materials, such as garbage, leaves, plastic, and rubber under a law that makes it a punishable offence.

Delhi's pollution levels hit the "severe" mark today for the first time this season, standing at 402 at 5 pm. Scientists have warned of further spikes over the next two weeks.

At least 18 out of 37 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) in the "severe" category.