With air pollution worsening in the national capital, the Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the use of coal and firewood tandoors. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also banned open burning of any kind, including garbage burning, at hotels, restaurants, dhabas and street-side food joints.
The order was issued on Friday under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). All eateries have been asked to immediately switch to electric or gas-based tandoors. Officials said this step is part of GRAP measures meant to cut down harmful emissions during periods of high pollution.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a city-wide ban on open burning and gave powers to district administrations and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to impose fines of up to Rs 5000 on anyone violating the rules. In a message shared on X, the Chief Minister urged people not to burn waste in the open, saying that even small efforts by citizens can help bring meaningful change.
Inspections ordered at food establishments
The DPCC has directed its enforcement teams to strictly monitor compliance with the new rules. The order refers to the approved fuel list issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in June 2022, along with the revised GRAP order dated November 21, 2023.
Municipal bodies and senior officials have been instructed to inspect eateries across the city and ensure that coal and firewood are no longer being used. The ban applies to all types of food outlets, from large restaurants to small street vendors. Violators will face penalties as per the rules.
The order has been sent to all concerned departments through speed post and email for immediate action. Authorities said the move targets local sources of pollution and aims to protect public health, as Delhi continues to face severe air quality conditions.
