The Delhi Government has decided to reimpose the ban on the manufacturing, sale, storage and use of all kinds of firecrackers in the capital as part of an action plan to reduce pollution levels in winter.
There will also be a ban on online sale or delivery of firecrackers in the national Capital. The Delhi Government has been following the practice of banning all kinds of firecrackers for the last three years. The ban on firecrackers in Delhi will impact 15-20 per cent of the Sivakasi fireworks businesses this year.
Addressing a Press conference, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday said the Delhi Police will be issued strict directions to implement the ban in the city. “Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided to ban firecrackers on the occasion of Diwali to control pollution.
“The manufacturing, storage, sale, online delivery, and bursting of any type of firecrackers are completely prohibited in Delhi. The police in Delhi-NCR have been instructed to issue a circular on behalf of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), stating that no licenses will be granted. Celebrating festivals is important, but equally important is caring for the environment. That’s why we have made this decision in Delhi for the last two years, and the people of Delhi are supportive,” Rai said. Diwali, will be celebrating on November 13 this year. Typically, during winter, in addition to vehicular emissions and industrial emissions, there are additional factors contributing to pollution, including dust storms, stubble burning (crop fires), burning of solid fuels for heating, along with the use of firecrackers during Diwali.
He added: “This year, there is a fall in pollution levels in Delhi. PM10 levels have fallen compared to figures from 2014. There is a similar fall in PM2.5 levels as well. But considering the parameters of health, this situation is still not favourable. Therefore, we have decided to ban firecrackers this year too.
Delhi government has also appealed to neighbouring states to initiate similar ban on firecrackers. The Delhi government has been following the practice of banning all kinds of firecrackers for the last three years.
Rai mentioned the environmental challenges posed by Diwali celebrations. He noted that traditionally, the day after Diwali sees a significant spike in pollution levels due to firecracker usage. Despite the Supreme Court’s decision in October 23, 2018, permitting only the use of green crackers during Diwali, people continued to use various types of firecrackers, leading to elevated pollution levels that year.