Gurugram Bans Coal and Wood in Commercial Tandoors Under Updated GRAP

The news

Gurugram has banned the use of coal and wood as fuel in tandoors at all hotels, restaurants and open-air food outlets with immediate effect. District Magistrate Uttam Singh issued the order on 11 November 2026, citing the need to curb air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. The order applies to all commercial food establishments in the district and follows an update to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Under the new rule, only equipment powered by electricity, gas or other clean fuels may be used. The Gurugram Municipal Corporation, Manesar Municipal Corporation and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board have been directed to enforce the order strictly. Sub-divisional magistrates in each area are to assist in implementation. Authorities must conduct regular inspections and submit daily reports detailing the number of checks, violations found and action taken. The administration has appealed to businesses and the public to cooperate in reducing air pollution.

When was GRAP first notified and under which law?

The Graded Response Action Plan was first notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in January 2017 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It was prepared following directions from the Supreme Court in the case M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, which deals with air pollution in the National Capital Region. The Commission for Air Quality Management was later established through an ordinance in 2020 and given statutory backing by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. Before GRAP, the Supreme Court had ordered the conversion of Delhi's entire city bus fleet to CNG in 1998, setting an early precedent for fuel-switching to control air pollution.

What is GRAP and how does it work?

The Graded Response Action Plan is a set of air-pollution control measures activated in stages based on air quality in the National Capital Region. It is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management. The plan prescribes specific actions for each air-quality category, from moderate to severe-plus emergency. The latest update targets commercial tandoors using coal or wood, which are significant local sources of particulate emissions.

What does the order achieve and what are its limits?

The order directly targets emissions from a specific commercial activity without banning restaurants or tandoors themselves. It forces affected businesses to switch to cleaner fuels or equipment, which can reduce localised pollution. However, compliance depends on regular inspections and coordination among multiple agencies. The order does not address other pollution sources such as construction dust, vehicle emissions or industrial discharge, which also contribute to the region's poor air quality.

What is the next step for enforcement?

The district magistrate has required daily reporting from enforcement officials, including details of inspections, violations and action taken. Sub-divisional magistrates are to support enforcement in their respective areas. Clear communication with food businesses about permitted alternatives will be essential for compliance. The effectiveness of the ban will depend on sustained monitoring and follow-up action against violators.