In Pictures: New Delhi chokes as thick smog blankets India's capital city

New Delhi is now one of the planet's most polluted cities as a layer of thick smog grips the Indian capital. Pollution levels have skyrocketed in recent days as the city struggles with one of the worst spells of air pollution in recent years. The authorities have closed more than 5,000 schools, ordering a three-day shutdown for the safety of students.

Updated

Published

November 8, 2016 at 10:04 AM

Girls play with a balloon under a flyover amidst the heavy smog in New Delhi, on Nov 6, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS

Indian men ride their motorbikes in heavy dust and smog in New Delhi, on Nov 6, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

Indian pedestrians have their faces covered as they walk in heavy dust and smog in New Delhi, on Nov 6, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

The sun appears through heavy smog in the Connaught Place area of New Delhi, on Nov 7, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

Citizens join a protest against the alarming rise in air pollution level at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, on Nov 6, 2016. PHOTO: XINHUA

Indian commuters journey along a main road as smog envelops in New Delhi, on Nov 7, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

Young people do exercise as vendors carry plastic baskets in a park as heavy smog covers New Delhi, on Nov 7, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

Indian groundstaff prepare a stairway for the arrival of an aircraft carrying Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May on a runway at a smog covered Palam Technical Airport in New Delhi, on Nov 6, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

Indian runners take part in the 10K Challenge amid heavy smog in New Delhi, on Nov 6, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

Young indian runners take part in the 10K Challenge amid heavy smog in New Delhi, on Nov 6, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

Indian men play cricket amid heavy smog in New Delhi, on Nov 6, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.