Calcutta, Dec. 16: The environment department has issued a circular banning burning of waste in the open, the move triggered by Delhi's choking smog allegedly caused by burning of waste a few weeks ago.

"We have issued a circular to all district magistrates and civic authorities, including the Calcutta Municipal Corporation, to stop burning waste in the open," environment secretary Arnab Roy told Metro on the sidelines of a meeting on environment organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in the city today.

The commissioner of Calcutta police has issued a similar directive to stop burning of garbage in the open.

"The circular has to be issued as the city's air pollution level shoots up during winter and the situation is further compounded by open burning of waste," an official said.

State government sources said the happenings in the national capital in October and November prompted the environment department to issue the circular.

A thick cover of smog comprising respirable pollutants during the period had forced the government to take emergency measures, such as asking people not to step out and ordering temporary closure of offices and educational institutions.

CNG ruling

The eastern bench of the National Green Tribunal today directed Bengal chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee to inform the bench within a week how the government wants to bring compressed natural gas to Calcutta.