Kolkata Police imposes 60-days ban on burning waste materials starting tommorow to combat air pollution

In a bold move to shield the city from choking smog and health risks this winter, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma issues stringent 60-days ban on burning any kind of waste materials across the city and its suburbs, effective from tommorow November 26, 2025. Drawing powers from the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Environment Protection Act, the order targets everything from household trash and plastic bottles to medical waste and diapers, aiming to curb the toxic fumes that spike respiratory problems in the polluted urban air. This comes as a timely reminder amid rising pollution levels, with police stations on high alert to enforce the rule and punish violators under existing laws.

The ban builds on longstanding notifications, including a 2005 West Bengal government alert under the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, which already outlawed burning leaves and debris citywide. Verma's order, passed as an ex-parte measure since individual notices aren't feasible, will be publicized through press releases, the Kolkata Police Gazette, and postings at all police offices and Kolkata Municipal Corporation buildings. It covers the the entire Kolkata area extending to South 24 Parganas suburbs (areas which falls under Kolkata Police zone), and stays in force until January 24, 2026, or a follow-up directive.

Police officers-in-charge have been urged to stay vigilant, patrolling areas prone to open fires like streets and dumpsites to prevent any breaches. Environmental experts hail the step as crucial, noting that waste burning rivals vehicle exhaust as a top pollution culprit in Kolkata, often worsening winter haze. While past bans have faced enforcement hurdles, this renewed push signals a zero-tolerance approach to protect public health and the environment.