With air pollution levels continuing to pose a serious health risk in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday evening announced a series of stringent measures, including a complete ban on open burning of waste and the use of coal and firewood in tandoors across hotels, restaurants, and open eateries.
The chief minister said authorities have been directed to enforce the bans without exception. She added that the district administration and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) are empowered to impose fines of up to ₹5,000 on anyone found burning garbage in the open. “We humbly request all citizens not to burn waste in the open. Your small cooperation can bring about a big change,” Rekha Gupta said in a tweet.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of persistently high pollution levels in Delhi, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the ‘very poor’ category for several days. On Tuesday, the city recorded a marginal improvement with an overall AQI of 291, falling into the “poor” category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Despite the slight respite, health concerns over prolonged exposure to hazardous air remain widespread.
Early Wednesday morning readings across various monitoring stations reflected similar conditions: 283 in Bawana, 264 in Alipur, 313 in Jahangirpuri, 272 in Burari Crossing, 280 in Punjabi Bagh, and 298 in Anand Vihar, among others.
Also Read: Delhi AQI at 305: Still 'very poor' despite slight improvement
In a related development, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Tuesday issued directions under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, formally banning the use of coal or firewood in tandoors across all eateries in the capital.
The pollution control body stated that coal-based cooking continues to be a significant contributor to localised air pollution in the city. The directive forms part of Stage-I measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) aimed at curbing emissions from multiple sources.
According to national media, urban local bodies have been instructed to immediately carry out inspections and ensure the discontinuation of coal and firewood usage in all hotels, restaurants, and roadside eateries across Delhi.
Also Read: Kejriwal on Delhi CM's 'AQI is temperature' remark
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