Delhi’s air quality nosedived to “very poor” category on Tuesday even as authorities put several key measures in place to combat air pollution. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 293, eight points below the “very poor” category, according to the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research.

A senior Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) official said several factors like vehicular pollution, construction activities and meteorological factors like wind speed are responsible for stagnant pollution in the city despite measures being taken up.

Several measures are in force in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) like mechanised sweeping of roads, ban on garbage burning, pollution control measures at brick kilns and deployment of police to ensure smooth passage of traffic at vulnerable areas.

The use of gensets has also been banned in the city but they are being allowed to operate in parts of the NCR due to power issues.

The emergency plan gets implemented if “very poor” or “severe” air pollution levels are recorded for 48 hours but given the extent of winter pollution witnessed in the national Capital, the plan has been implemented as the air quality slipped to the “poor” category, the official said.

In addition, the CPCB has also deployed 41 teams to monitor the implementation of measures taken to combat air pollution.

On Tuesday, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 381, Dwarka Sector 8 registered AQI of 373, ITO recorded 296 and Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 321, according to CPCB data.