The battle against persistently high pollution levels in the capital has entered the kitchens of Delhi, as the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued stringent directions mandating a complete
ban on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors across all hotels, restaurants, and open eateries in the city. This immediate measure targets a significant, albeit often overlooked, source of fine particulate matter emissions, particularly during the critical winter months.
The DPCC’s order is part of a broader, aggressive strategy to enforce anti-pollution norms, especially concerning the burning of solid fuels. Officials cited data indicating that traditional tandoors, which rely on coal and firewood for heat, release substantial quantities of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) directly into the local environment. While industrial emissions and vehicular traffic are the primary culprits in Delhi’s air crisis, the cumulative effect of thousands of eateries operating traditional tandoors adds noticeably to the localised pollution load, particularly in commercial and residential areas.
The directive mandates that all food establishments, ranging from large hotels and fine-dining restaurants to small roadside dhabas and open eateries, must immediately switch to cleaner fuels. Acceptable alternatives include Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and electric tandoors. The move aligns with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)’s previous focus on eliminating all forms of polluting fuel usage in the National Capital Region.
The implementation of the ban is expected to be challenging. While larger commercial establishments are likely to transition quickly to LPG or electric models, smaller eateries and roadside vendors often rely on coal and firewood due to their low cost and ease of access. Enforcement teams comprising DPCC officials and local municipal staff have been tasked with conducting surprise inspections across the city. Establishments found violating the ban face fines, closure notices, and other stringent disciplinary action under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. This measure reflects the government’s desperate need to employ every available tool to alleviate the severe air quality crisis gripping the national capital.
