Air Pollution Hits Dangerous Levels Across Northern India

India's iconic Taj Mahal monument and other prominent landmarks were shrouded in smog on Tuesday, as air pollution hit dangerous levels across New Delhi and other parts of northern India this month.

The severe deterioration in air quality during the past week was caused by farmers violating a ban on crop stubble burning in agricultural states surrounding the capital and people ignoring a ban on fireworks to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

Tourists hoping to see the Taj Mahal in Agra city were left disappointed as the monument of love was a hazy sight, while in the capital the India Gate was also covered in smog.

"My children are facing a lot of problems due to the pollution. I have especially brought them to see the India Gate but the monument is not visible clearly. The children could not enjoy the view, the air quality has deteriorated and we are facing difficulty in breathing," said Payal Garg, a New Delhi resident.

Nearly 80% of families in the Delhi region, with a population of about 20 million, reported ailments like headaches, problems in breathing, and runny noses due to air pollution, according to a survey of 34,000 respondents by a private agency, Local Circles.