Air Pollution Crisis in Delhi: Firewood Tandoors Banned, Schools Online

Delhi has banned coal- and firewood-based tandoors and all open burning at hotels, restaurants, dhabas and street-side food joints, ordering an immediate switch to electric or gas-based tandoors under GRAP and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

As air quality deteriorated sharply across the NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on December 13, invoked Stage IV (Severe+) GRAP restrictions across Delhi-NCR.

Schools in Delhi shifted fully online for students up to Class V after the AQI touched 427 on December 15, 2025.

Singapore issued a health advisory, urging its citizens in Delhi to follow local guidelines, stay indoors as much as possible, and wear masks when stepping out due to hazardous air quality.

Canada and the United Kingdom issued travel advisories, warning travellers to monitor air quality levels closely, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions, and to take medical advice before visiting North India amid severe winter pollution.