Delhi bans firecrackers till January 1 again amid pollution concerns

To address the concerning levels of air pollution in Delhi during the winter season, the state government has implemented a firecracker Ban that includes a total prohibition on the manufacture, sale, storage, and use of all varieties of firecrackers. This Firecracker Ban, which also encompasses online transactions and deliveries, will be in place until January 1, 2025.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai highlighted the urgent necessity of this action, noting that the detonation of firecrackers significantly worsens pollution during the winter months, adversely affecting public health. To guarantee rigorous enforcement of the ban, the Delhi government has formulated a collaborative action plan in partnership with the Delhi Police, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and the Revenue Department.

“There is an increased risk of air pollution in Delhi during the winter season. Burning firecrackers during this time further exacerbate pollution. In light of this situation, like last year, we are imposing a complete ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers, so that people can be protected from pollution,” Rai said in a press statement.

The government has assured traders and vendors that measures have been implemented to mitigate potential financial impacts by announcing the ban well in advance. Furthermore, the Delhi government is in the process of developing a comprehensive ‘Winter Action Plan’ that will concentrate on 21 critical areas to combat pollution. This plan will feature various initiatives aimed at pollution control, and the government will engage closely with the community to ensure its effectiveness.

“We urge all residents of Delhi to celebrate festivals by lighting lamps and sharing sweets instead of using firecrackers. Together, we can take responsibility for reducing pollution and protecting the environment. If every citizen becomes a ‘Pollution Warrior,’ we can prevent the health risks caused by air pollution,” said Rai.

surprisingly today,  the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended a Senior Environmental Engineer from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Mohammed Arif, along with an associate, on charges of allegedly accepting bribes to expedite environmental clearances. During the operation, the CBI confiscated ₹2.39 crore in cash, highlighting the difficulties in enforcing environmental regulations amidst corruption within the agency tasked with pollution control.

A research study conducted by scholars from IIT Delhi published in 2022 indicated that firecrackers do not constitute the primary source of pollution in Delhi during the Diwali festivities. The findings, published in the journal Atmospheric Pollution Research, revealed that although the metal content in PM2.5 levels surged by 1,100% during Diwali, firecrackers were responsible for merely 5% of the total PM2.5 emissions. More notably, emissions from biomass burning increased by nearly 200% in the days following Diwali, eclipsing the temporary rise attributed to fireworks.

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