Toxic smog blankets New Delhi

New Delhi, the capital of India is blanketed by thick smog that has prompted some closures of institutions and businesses.

Beginning on Saturday primary schools will be closed. Older students will not be permitted to take part in outdoor activities.

Municipal officials have ordered that all construction projects stop and vehicles running on diesel will not be permitted into the city.

Half of the government employees will work from home.

Anti-smog guns are also being used to combat the problem. Anti-smog guns spray water in a mist concentration in an effort to get dust in the air to settle at ground level.

Plume Labs lists the air quality index at 347. Anything above 101 is considered to be very high pollution and long-term exposure constitutes a real health risk.

Conditions are expected to improve by Monday.