Delhi bans open burning of garbage, coal use in tandoors as AQI spikes; violators to face Rs 5k fine

File photo

With air pollution levels continuing to trouble the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced a complete ban on open burning across the city. She also imposed a strict prohibition on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at all hotels, restaurants, and open eateries.

“We humbly request all citizens not to burn waste in the open. Your small cooperation can bring about a big change,” Gupta said in a post on X. Under the new measures, the district administration and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) can impose fines of up to Rs 5,000 on anyone found burning garbage outdoors.

The announcement comes after days of alarming pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) lingering in the ‘very poor’ category. On Tuesday, the city saw a slight improvement, with the AQI recorded at 291, classified as ‘poor,’ according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

दिल्ली में वायु प्रदूषण के हर छोटे-बड़े स्रोत पर नियंत्रण के लिए हम निरंतर प्रयासरत हैं। इसी कड़ी में पर्यावरण विभाग को सख्त निर्देश दिए गए हैं कि ओपन बर्निंग पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध सुनिश्चित किया जाए। जिला प्रशासन एवं दिल्ली नगर निगम को यह अधिकार प्रदान किया गया है कि खुले में… pic.twitter.com/uOyLseFzfB

— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) December 9, 2025

However, health concerns over persistent pollution remain high. Similar readings were recorded across various parts of the city on Wednesday morning: 283 in Bawana, 264 in Alipur, 313 in Jahangirpuri, 272 in Burari Crossing, 280 in Punjabi Bagh, and 298 in Anand Vihar.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), citing Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, specifically banned the use of coal and firewood in tandoors. Officials highlighted that coal-based cooking contributes significantly to localised pollution.

These measures are part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with the coal-and-firewood ban designated as a Stage-I action to curb emissions.

Urban local bodies have been instructed to carry out inspections and ensure immediate compliance, discontinuing the use of coal and firewood in eateries.

Authorities hope these combined steps, alongside public cooperation, will help improve air quality and protect the health of Delhi residents during the peak pollution season.