India’s capital region, Delhi, has virtually come to a halt as air pollution levels reached a “severe plus” category, creating what officials have described as a public health emergency.

Residents in India's northern states woke up to another day of poor air quality on Tuesday, as a layer of dense fog shrouded most of the region, and pollution in the capital Delhi remained severe. India battles air pollution every winter as cold,

Air pollution chokes New Delhi every winter, but this year's smog has already derailed everything from transport and road work to schools.

In several areas of the city, pollution levels were more than 50 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit. Forecasts say the poor air quality will continue into the week.

India said on Sunday that it would tighten restrictions including on construction activities and vehicle movements in New Delhi and surrounding areas from Monday to combat worsening air quality.

Kanchipuram, often called the "City of a Thousand Temples," has one of the lowest air quality index in the country. Explore countless shrines and intricate 1,000-pillared halls, and immerse yourself in its heritage by discovering its vibrant silk textiles.

India's capital city of Delhi has virtually shut down as air pollution hit "severe plus" levels, according to Indian government officials in its pollution control authority.

Delhi's new action plan to combat rising pollution includes a ban on non-essential trucks, school closures, and remote work.