Coal, unclean fuels banned in NCR cities to keep air healthy

Taking a tough stand against pollution arising out of emissions from heavily polluting fuels like coal, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday reminded industries that the use of coal (except coal with low sulphur in thermal power plants) and other unapproved fuels is banned in the entire National Capital Region.

The ban on heavily polluting fuels like coal, Light Diesel Oil (LDO) and Naptha in NCR will come into effect on January 1, 2023. The agency said that it will impose a fine on industries found using unapproved fuels.

“Use of unapproved fuels w.e.f. 01st January, 2023 to straight away lead to closure along with imposition of heavy EC (Environmental Compensation) since adequate time has been given to shift to cleaner fuels,” CAQM said.