Pollution panel orders ban on use of coal in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad

The use of coal in Delhi and adjoining areas, including Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, will be banned from January 1, 2023, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has said in an order. 

The use of low-sulphur coal in power plants has been exempted from the ban. In the June 3 order, the panel said the ban will be enforced from October 1 in areas with PNG availability. From January 1, 2023, coal ban will come into force in the entire National Capital Region. 

"In full effect, the use of coal as fuel shall be banned across NCR with effect from January 1, 2023," the panel said.

Delhi becomes a gas chamber every year as the winters approach. Stubble-burning, climatic conditions and firecracker burning on Diwali exacerbate the pollution situation every year. More details awaited. 

With inputs from PTI