Toxic smog engulfed much of northern India on Monday and pollution readings in New Delhi hit their highest of this pre-winter season, after dense fog overnight.

New Delhi government employees have been ordered to work from home as toxic smog continues to blanket India's capital on Friday.

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.

Dense smog continues to engulf most parts of northern India on Monday with readings of air quality in the capital New Delhi reaching their highest levels this year after dense

Hundreds of millions of Indians breathe some of the world’s most toxic air all year round. Air pollution in the capital area that’s home to about 30 million people is especially stubborn. In winter, the cold weather actually makes the smog even worse — and potent.

Unhealthy

Several major Indian cities, including New Delhi, are engulfed in a dense blanket of smog, significantly compromising the air quality and posing substantial health risks to residents. Reports suggest that in some areas,