NEW DELHI, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Stricter anti-air pollution measures were put in place in New Delhi in a bid to tackle the rising air pollution levels in the Indian capital city, even as air quality deteriorated to "Very Poor" category.

Air quality index (AQI) in several areas in the Indian capital city was recorded between 301 and 400 in terms of PM2.5 which fell into "Very Poor" category, according to Government of India's "System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)".

The new measures were contained in the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-II issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.

Taking effect from 08:00 hours of Tuesday, the new anti-pollution measures included vacuum sweeping and sprinkling of roads with water, synchronizing traffic movements ensuring a smooth movement, enhancing parking fees to discourage private transport, increasing the frequency of public transport like Metro train services and CNG (compressed natural gas) and electric buses, and avoiding open burning of bio-mass.

The people living in Delhi were also advised to avoid dust-generating construction activities from October to January, and regularly replace air filters in private automobiles. ■