Much of China’s massive capital Beijing shut down on Tuesday after the government announced air pollution red alert. The first-time red alert forced the city to close its schools, factories and construction sites. The alert also restricted the number of vehicles on the city roads.

While declaring red alert in Beijing, the government told its residents to take precautions with their health. Despite extraordinary measures against air pollution, the city’s air grew worse and left over 20 million people in hazy environment.

Municipal Bureau of Environmental Protection of Beijing said severe air pollution is going to affect the capital for many days, starting from Tuesday. By 4 pm, the air quality index was 308, which is considered ‘hazardous’ in the US. At this level, people are not allowed to come out of their homes.

Most Beijing residents think the red alert is a result of the devil’s handshake that the country has made in recent time. They believe China is ignoring its people just for the sake of economic growth. Communist Party leaders have promised to change the scenario, but people think it would many years to see that change.

The city officials also declared the alert on Monday night to stop the smog and show that government is serious about the toxic air. It is forcing people to follow new instructions which are causing inconvenience for them.

According to 35-year-old Kan Tingting, manager of a café, they are forced to stay indoors. This is for people’s health, but it may have negative view of nature on children, Tingting said.