Some coal-based power plants have been closed, but India’s top court is considering implementing a lockdown – a first of its kind in the country – to stem pollution and not to control coronavirus infections.
Authorities in New Delhi are considering a first-of-its-kind lockdown to combat worsening air pollution.
Schools have already been closed indefinitely as severe smog choked people living in the Indian capital and neighbouring states on Wednesday.
The number of dangerous pollution particles in New Delhi’s air was measured at seven times the safe level on Wednesday, climbing above 300 micrograms per cubic metre in some parts of the city.