Delhi has imposed a strict ban on coal and firewood tandoors in restaurants and introduced a ₹5,000 fine on any open burning as the city battles severe air pollution and dangerously high AQI levels.

The decision comes after multiple areas in Delhi recorded AQI levels in the “severe” category, raising health concerns for millions of residents. To curb increasing pollution, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has ordered all hotels, restaurants, and eateries to immediately stop using coal or firewood-based tandoors and shift to cleaner alternatives such as electric or gas-based units.

Authorities will conduct surprise inspections, and violators will face strict penalties. Alongside this, the city has intensified action against open burning of garbage, leaves, plastic, and waste — a major contributor to local air pollution. Any individual or establishment found burning waste in open areas will be fined ₹5,000 on the spot.

These measures fall under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which mandates emergency steps when pollution reaches hazardous levels. The government has urged citizens, restaurants, and vendors to cooperate, emphasizing that collective effort is essential to improving Delhi’s air quality during peak winter months.