Delhi bans firecrackers till January 1 to fight air pollution

The Delhi government has announced a complete ban on all types of firecrackers until January 1, 2025, in an effort to curb air pollution. This ban includes the manufacturing, storage and selling of all firecrackers in the national capital. 

In Short

• Ban includes manufacturing, storage, sale, and online delivery
• Delhi minister cites worsening winter pollution as reason for ban
• Delhi's Air Quality Index hit 370, classified as 'hazardous'

The Delhi government has announced a complete ban on all types of firecrackers until January 1, 2025, in an effort to curb air pollution. This ban includes the manufacturing, storage and selling of all firecrackers in the national capital.

“Delhi government has decided to impose a complete ban on manufacturing, storage and selling (including delivery through online marketing platforms) of all kinds of firecrackers and bursting thereof up to January 1, 2025,” a notice by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee read.

The notice was shared by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on X. The minister emphasised that air pollution in Delhi worsens during the winter, and fireworks contribute to the issue.

“In view of the increasing pollution in winter, a ban has been imposed on the production, storage, sale and use of firecrackers from today till January 1, 2025. Delhi government issued instructions regarding the ban. Request for cooperation from all Delhiites, the minister posted on X along with the notice by Delhi pollution board.

Delhi Minister Gopal Rai added, "The temperature will fast reduce now and as the temperature goes down, the suspended particles in the atmosphere will come down. Our only weapon is to cut down on the sources of pollution. We cannot change the weather but we can limit the source. Starting today, till 1 January, we have imposed a complete ban on the production, storage, and distribution of firecrackers”.

Delhi's air quality worsened to ‘hazardous’ category on Monday. At the time of writing this story, the Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) was 370.

A day after Dussehra, on Sunday, Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 224, according to the 4 pm AQI bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board.

The Centre is deciding to closely monitor the situation before taking anti-air pollution measures under Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Under Stage 1, GRAP calls for strict enforcement of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders on phasing out of overage diesel and petrol vehicles.

It also mandates a complete ban on the use of coal and firewood in eateries, restaurants and hotels once the AQI crosses the 200 mark.