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

Delhi sees a major spike in air pollution every winter due to several factors, including the burning of farm waste in the adjoining states of Haryana and Punjab.

The GRAP 3 curbs in Delhi include ban on demolition and construction activities, and entry of certain vehicles inside Delhi-NCR, among other curbs, to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Every year, Delhi and northern states battle hazardous air during the winter months of October to January due to plummeting temperatures, smoke, dust, low wind speed, vehicular emissions and crop stubble burning. This time, experts say that the condition is likely to get worse in the coming days.

Air pollution in India's national capital increased to 'severe' on an official index on Wednesday for the first time this season as temperatures and wind speeds dropped, reducing visibility and affecting some flights.

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Delhi surpassed Lahore as the world's most polluted city, with its air quality index reaching a 'severe' 418. The smog, a mix of fog and smoke, reduced visibility, causing flight diversions. Low wind speed,