• Source:JND

Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: With the air pollution levels remaining extremely high across the national capital, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued a directive banning the use of coal and firewood in tandoors across hotels, restaurants, and open food stalls.

This move comes against the backdrop of alarming air pollution levels as the national capital continues to grapple with a ‘severe’ air quality index (AQI) on Tuesday. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded around 400 at Anand Vihar and ITO at 10 AM today.

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Ban On Use Of Coal And Firewood In Tandoors: What’s Allowed

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) noted that the national capital continued to record an Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘severe’ category, with coal-based cooking contributing significantly to localised air pollution.

The directive aligns with the Stage-I measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which lists the ban on coal and firewood in tandoors as a necessary step to curb emissions, CNBC TV18 reported.

The DPCC cited the approved fuel list issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in June 2022, alongside the revised GRAP order dated November 21, 2023.

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- The order, issued under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, requires all commercial food establishments to shift to clean energy options, including electric and gas-based or other approved clean-fuel cooking systems.

- According to the order, only electric or gas-operated tandoors are permitted for use in commercial food establishments across the national capital.

- The Delhi government has instructed urban local bodies, including municipal commissioners and chief engineers, to conduct thorough inspections and ensure strict adherence without exceptions across all eateries under their jurisdiction.

- The directive, approved by the competent authority, has been circulated via email and speed post to all concerned departments for immediate execution and implementation.


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