Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 10: With air pollution levels continuing to remain a cause of serious concern in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday directed authorities to enforce a complete ban on open burning across the city.
As part of the strengthened measures, the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at all hotels, restaurants and open eateries in Delhi has been strictly prohibited.
The Chief Minister said that both the district administration and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have been empowered to impose fines up to Rs 5,000 on individuals found burning waste in the open.
“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 social media.
Meanwhile, poor air quality continued to plague multiple neighbourhoods of Delhi on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 283 in Bawana, 264 in Alipur, 313 in Jahangirpuri, 272 in Burari Crossing, 280 in Punjabi Bagh and 298 in Anand Vihar, among other areas.
In alignment with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) issued a directive under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, ordering an immediate ban on coal- or firewood-based cooking in tandoors. The DPCC noted that such practices continue to be a significant contributor to localised emissions.
Urban local bodies have also been instructed to carry out strict inspections to ensure full compliance with the new rules.