The Delhi government has decided to shut classes for all students up to Grade V and banned outdoor activities or assemblies on Wednesday in all the city schools in view of the massive air pollution and smog in the national capital.

"All primary schools will remain closed tomorrow. If needed, we will extend the order till day after. Outdoor activities including assemblies should not take place in schools," Delhi's Education Minister Manish Sisodia said.

The Delhi government's decision followed a tweet by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in which he called the city a "gas chamber" and asked Sisodia to consider shutting the schools for a few days.

"Delhi has become a gas chamber. Every year this happens during this part of year. We have to find a solution to crop burning in adjoining states," Kejriwal tweeted.

Delhi woke up to 'severe' air quality on Tuesday with a thick haze blanketing the city as pollution levels breached permissible standards by multiple times.

Delhi air pollution: Classes for students up to Class 5 suspended for tomorrow, outdoor activities banned in schools

"All primary schools will remain closed tomorrow. If needed, we will extend the order till day after. Outdoor activities including assemblies should not take place in schools," Delhi's Education Minister Manish Sisodia said.