India has enforced a one-week pollution lockdown, due to the capital, New Delhi’s high levels of pollution.

Authorities say this was done to protect citizens from the worsening levels of toxic smog. Part of the lockdown also included government offices being asked to operate from home, and private businesses to adhere to work-from-home options as much as possible.

New Delhi is ranked as one of the world’s most polluted cities containing hazardous mélange of factory and vehicle emissions.

Yesterday, PM levels – the smallest and most harmful particles that can enter the blood stream stood at 300 on the air quality index. This is 20 times the maximum daily limit recommended by the World Health Organisation.

[Picture: Prakash Singh/AFP]