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

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.

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.