New Delhi: After improving slightingly on Sunday, Delhi’s air quality has dipped further on Monday with the air quality index (AQI) recording 271, which is equivalent to the “very poor” category. 

According to the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), while the overall the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 157 against the safe limit of 60, the PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) stood at 271 against the safe limit of 100.

Earlier, SAFAR had forecasted that the capital’s air quality will get worse from Monday. Moreover, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) said that the concentration of PM 2.5 particle will increase if stubble burning continues on Sunday and Monday in the northwest region of India.

"The northwest wind direction may bring the influence of biomass fire on Tuesday and Wednesday," the IITM added, as reported by Business Standard. 

Meanwhile, Delhi authorities have stepped up efforts to combat pollution which includes measures like halt in construction activities and traffic regulations.

There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also directed the Transport Department and the Traffic Police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10.

Around 43 teams have been formed by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation for night patrolling to check incidents of burning of garbage.

Around 110 vehicles have been deployed for sprinkling water on roads and 12 mechanical dust sweeping machines have also been deployed.

With inputs from PTI