Delhi Govt Bans Coal, Firewood Tandoors In Eateries Amid Hazardous Air Quality

The Delhi government has banned the use of coal- and firewood-based tandoors in all hotels, restaurants, and open eateries across the city amid worsening air quality.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee issued the direction under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, requiring eateries to immediately switch to electric, gas-based, or other clean-fuel appliances. 

The move comes as Delhi’s Air Quality Index touched hazardous levels, with readings around 400 in several areas.

The ban follows the implementation of Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, which strictly prohibits open burning of biomass and similar polluting materials.