According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the use of coal as a fuel will be banned across the National Capital Region (NCR) with effect from January 1, 2023. The decision has been taken as the concerns of air pollution are uniform across the NCR and from the standpoint of a common airshed approach for the entire NCR and adjoining areas. It is therefore essential to phase out use of coal as a fuel from entire NCR in industrial, domestic and miscellaneous applications (barring the use of low sulphur coal only in thermal power plants), towards aiming for an overall improved air quality in the region. This will further provide a push for the industries to switch to use of piped natural gas (PNG).  Industries in NCR have been directed to completely switch over to PNG or biomass fuels by September 30, 2022, or face closure.