India's capital New Delhi has currently fallen under dangerous air pollution levels, at a time when the Diwali and Chhath Puja is being celebrated, the country's Central Pollution Control Board said.

People in the capital are struggling with heavy polluted air after the smoke released during Diwali celebrations last weekend still hovers above the metropolis.

The air pollution has forced the government to shut many local schools for three days and postpone construction and demolition activities for ten days. The prevailing haze also led to the cancellation of cricket matches.

The city's visibility has been reduced to 400 meters. To protect people from air pollution, they are advised to bring and wear face masks whenever they're outside, as reported by Trading Charts.

The pollution monitoring agency has advised people to stay at home in the morning. People with heart and lung diseases, as well aschildren are all advised to remain indoors and reduce outdoor activity.

Tiny PM 2.5 particles suspended in the air can cause long-term adverse effect on lungs and causes diseases. Some areas of Delhi experienced up to 1,238 PM 2.5 on Sunday, compared to last year's 435.

The World Health Organization cited 10 as the favorable annual average concentration for PM 2.5 particles. Once that number reachesabove 35, it can cause 15% higher long-term mortality rate.

Central Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said that the burning of waste crops from farmers and dust from construction are the main causes of Delhi's air pollution. Dr. D. Saha, a scientist from the Delhi-based Pollution Control Board, also blamed firecrackers and fireworks for aggravating air pollution.

Delhi's city government is also trying to clean its air through innovative options such as moves to create create artificial rain, barring cargo trucks within city streets, and weeks-long experimental traffic control methods.

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