The Delhi Environment Department on December 09, 2025, issued directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, for Air Pollution Control (Vardhaman Kaushik Case).
The following has been stated namely: -
• Pursuant to orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in OA No. 21 of 2014 (Vardhaman Kaushik vs. Union of India & Ors.), open burning of garbage, leaves, plastic, rubber, and similar materials has been strictly prohibited in Delhi to control air pollution.
• The NGT, vide its order dated April 28, 2015, has fixed an environmental compensation of ₹5,000 to be paid instantly by any person found burning or abetting such burning, under Section 15 of the NGT Act, 2010.
• To ensure enforcement, Deputy Tehsildars and above, and Sanitary Inspectors and above of MCD and NDMC have been authorized to levy and collect the compensation.
• The collected amount shall be deposited with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and monthly action-taken reports are mandatorily required to be submitted to DPCC.
[Notification no. - AS/Env/434/15/7036-45]
