Govt bans production, sale & use of firecrackers till Jan 1

The Delhi Government on Monday banned the production, sale and use of firecrackers in the Capital till January 1, 2025, to combat air pollution in the coming winter season.

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‘Celebrate festivals by lighting lamps’

We urge all residents to celebrate festivals by lighting lamps and distributing sweets instead of using firecrackers. Together, we can take responsibility for reducing pollution and protecting the environment.~

— Gopal Rai, Environment Minister

Anger among traders

During political rallies, leaders can burst firecrackers everywhere, but when Diwali or other festivals come, firecrackers are banned. There is a lot of anger among traders regarding this.~

— Paramjit Singh Pamma, Chairman of traders’ association

Environment Minister Gopal Rai said an action plan would be prepared in collaboration with the Delhi Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Revenue Department to strictly implement the ban.

“There is a risk of increased air pollution in Delhi during the winter season. Burning firecrackers during this time further exacerbates pollution,” Rai said.

“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. There will also be a complete ban on the online sale and delivery of any kind of firecrackers,” he added.

Rai said, “To avoid any confusion, this ban applies to all types of firecrackers. The ban will remain in effect in Delhi until January 1, 2025, to provide relief to Delhiites from the pollution caused by burning firecrackers.”

Highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing air pollution, Rai stated that a ‘Winter Action Plan’ focusing on 21 key areas was being developed.

This plan will include various campaigns aimed at controlling pollution, and the government will work closely with citizens to ensure its success.

Rai added, “The government does not want traders and dealers to suffer any financial loss so we decided to impose a complete ban on the production, storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers in time.”

“We urge all residents to celebrate festivals by lighting lamps and distributing 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,” Rai said.

Meanwhile, traders expressed dissent over the Delhi Government’s decision. The Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders’ Association accused the government of shirking its responsibility.

Paramjit Singh Pamma, chairman of the association, voiced his displeasure, saying, “During political rallies, leaders can burst firecrackers everywhere, but when Diwali or other festivals come, firecrackers are banned. There is a lot of anger among traders regarding this. Firecrackers are brought into Delhi from other states and are used openly.”

Pamma added that it was disheartening that the Delhi Government and the Municipal Corporation Delhi have not taken any significant steps to curb pollution, yet they attempt to avoid their responsibilities by banning firecrackers.

“There is so much dirt on the roads, with garbage openly thrown everywhere. There’s no proper cleaning system. They have done nothing to stop pollution, and soon, they will also impose the odd-even rule again,” he added.