India, Dec. 10 -- Amid persistently high pollution levels in the capital, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued directions mandating a strict ban on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors across all hotels, restaurants and open eateries in the city.

Both actions target two major neighbourhood-level polluters: smoky commercial kitchens and dust from open construction stockpiles.

The order, issued under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, requires all commercial establishments to switch exclusively to electric, gas-based or other clean-fuel appliances. The DPCC noted that Delhi continues to record Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above prescribed standards, and coal-based cooking rem...