The ban is part of a wider policy issued by the CAQM in July last year. The policy lists out sector-wise action plans to curb air pollution in Delhi NCR over the next five years.
In Delhi-NCR, the use of coal and other non-approved fuel in industries and other commercial establishments has been banned from today, Sunday, according to news agency PTI.
The Union government's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), however, said the use of low-sulphur coal is allowed in thermal power plants.
The ban is part of a wider policy issued by the CAQM in July last year. The policy lists out sector-wise action plans to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR over the next five years.
"Pollution control officers have been directed to shut down industries and commercial establishments using non-approved fuel, including coal, without any show cause notice," said a CAQM official.
"Maximum environmental compensation will be imposed on them as per the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board," the official said.
He said the panel had announced the ban six months back, giving enough time to all industries to shift to the cleaner fuel, reports PTI.
Use of low-sulphur coal in captive thermal power plants is also permitted, the official clarified, adding "it can be used for primary purpose power generation".
Firewood and biomass briquettes can be used for religious purposes and cremation, wood or bamboo charcoal can be used for tandoors and grills in hotels, restaurants, banquet halls (with emission control systems) and open eateries or dhabas can be done.
The CAQM had earlier said that the use of wood charcoal is allowed for ironing clothes.
The commission had in June issued directions banning the use of coal in industrial, domestic and other miscellaneous applications in the entire Delhi-NCR region from January 1, 2023.
About 1.7 million tonnes of coal is used annually in industrial applications in the NCR, with the six major industrial districts alone consuming about 1.4 million tonnes.
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