New Delhi, Dec. 9 -- To tackle persistently dangerous air quality levels in the national capital, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued stringent directives, imposing a complete prohibition on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors across all hotels, restaurants, and open eateries throughout the city.

This order, enacted under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, requires all commercial food establishments to transition immediately to electric, gas-based, or other clean-fuel appliances for cooking.

The DPCC underscored that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to exceed prescribed limits, identifying coal-based cooking as a significant source of localized emissions contributi...