Air pollution choking New Delhi has ground outdoor work to a halt and disrupted air travel in the Indian capital.

India's government banned non-essential construction in New Delhi, the world's most polluted capital, and urged residents to avoid burning coal for heating, to combat worsening air quality that has disrupted flights and obscured the Taj Mahal.

A dense smog blanketed the Taj Mahal in Agra on Thursday as pollution levels surged, obscuring the iconic monument from view. Tourists captured visuals showing the Taj Mahal nearly invisible behind the haze.

India's capital New Delhi was wreathed in blanketing toxic smog this week as worsening air pollution surged past the grim mark of 50 times World Health Organization recommended daily maximum.

Air pollution in the Indian capital is more than 50 times what is considered safe by the World Health Organization.

India's capital New Delhi ordered all primary schools to cease in-person classes until further notice on Thursday night due to worsening smog in the sprawling megacity.