'With lights, lamps': Delhi government bans firecrackers this Diwali too
The Delhi government on Monday said that the ban on the production, sale, storage, and use of firecrackers will continue in the national capital region this Diwali, too. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated the order was part of a winter action plan to curb pollution levels. He also emphasized that people should celebrate Diwali with lights and lamps. Over the last few years, citizens have defied the firecracker ban, which led to Delhi witnessing severe air pollution for weeks.
Why does this story matter?
Delhi's pollution levels are a matter of concern for all its residents, especially during winter. Firecrackers during Diwali and stubble burning usually raise toxic air levels every winter. In 2021, Delhi reportedly faced the worst pollution levels when the Air Quality Index (AQI) broke all previous records the morning after Diwali. The firecracker ban was also at the center of a political controversy last year as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lambasted Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as anti-Hindu.
Strict enforcement, penalties for violators: Rai
Rai has said that the ban includes the production, storage, sale, and usage of all firecrackers. "I would request the people of Delhi to celebrate Diwali with lamps and lights, not firecrackers," he said. He said the Delhi Police had been asked to strictly enforce the ban throughout the national capital. To note, violators could face a fine of up to Rs. 5,000 and a three-year jail term under the Explosives Act's Section 9B .
Winter action plan aims to further improve air quality
According to Rai, Delhi authorities have already begun monitoring pollution hotspots and are planning to implement a winter action plan as Diwali approaches. The Delhi government has implemented a firecracker ban over the past three years, reportedly resulting in a considerable improvement in air quality over the last five to six years. Rai said the government hopes this year's ban will further improve air quality in the national capital.
Capital struggles with persistent air pollution
Delhi was ranked as the fourth most polluted city in the world in a March 2023 air quality report. It also topped the list of the world's most polluted capitals for four consecutive years, according to the report by Swiss firm IQAir. Despite similar bans in place for the last few years, many residents defied the restrictions and burst crackers on Diwali. Offenders have also faced several appeals and warnings from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Delhi government.
Ban first started in 2020 following NGT's order
After witnessing a major drop in air quality in 2020, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned firecrackers around Diwali in Delhi. Now, Monday's order marks the fourth year of the firecracker ban, which has been a dividing factor among many Delhi residents. To recall, in 2021, the Delhi Police arrested as many as 281 people for supplying and bursting firecrackers during Diwali.
