New Delhi shuts primary schools, animals take over as smog worsens: Video

"Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions," Chief Minister Atishi was quoted by the AFP.

The city, known for its annual winter smog, is often ranked as one of the world’s most polluted places.

Levels of PM2.5 particles, which are harmful to health, were recorded at over 50 times the World Health Organisation's safe limit this week.

This has been worsened by stubble burning on farms, vehicle emissions, and cooler winter weather, which traps pollutants.

The issue which has been recurring has led to school closures and restrictions on trucks and construction work.

Many schools across the city have now been taken over by animals.

Efforts to address the crisis have included spraying water and launching drones to control dust, but critics have described the measures as insufficient.

A Supreme Court ruling recently declared clean air a fundamental human right, urging stronger action from authorities. However, political disagreements between state and central governments have slowed progress.