Pollution shuts schools in Indian capital

A health emergency has been declared in India's capital by an expert panel due to air pollution choking the city, with authorities ordering schools closed until November 5.

The Supreme Court-appointed panel is also temporarily banning construction activity in the New Delhi region to control the dust in the air.

Air pollution in New Delhi generally peaks around November 1 due to a combination of smog from fireworks set off during a Hindu festival and smoke from the burning of agricultural fields in the neighbouring states blowing in.

The air quality index reading at the US embassy in New Delhi for pollution particles in the air reached nine times the recommended World Health Organisation level on Friday.

At such levels, people are advised to avoid all outdoor exertion due to the health risks.