Delhi Government Bans Firecrackers Until January 1 to Address Winter Air Pollution

The Delhi government issued a notification and banned firecrackers until January 1, 2025, to combat winter-time pollution.

As part of efforts to keep Delhi's air clean, a notification has been issued to mitigate pollution caused by firecrackers by banning their use in the winter months," Delhi's Minister for Environment Gopal Rai said on Monday. The ban will continue till January 1, 2025, to help curb winter pollution.

It also prohibits online sales and delivery of firecrackers in the national Capital.

According to Gopal Rai, pollution in Delhi has been constantly on the decline for the last one year. He went on to say, "However, during winters, pollution in the months of November and December still increases manifold."

The Delhi Government is working on several Winter Action Plans with regard to pollution. Different departments have been assigned responsibilities for implementation of the needed measures.

He added, "An action plan will be prepared with Delhi Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and Revenue Department to ensure strict implementation of cracker ban."

Commenting on the bursting of firecrackers by the residents of Delhi despite the ban, he added, "It is in the broad understanding of the people of Delhi that the pollution we create ultimately affects us."

"I'd like to appeal to all residents to follow the guidelines, and if we cooperate in our efforts to reduce pollution, then we will be able to successfully bring down its level during winter season," added the Delhi Environment Minister.
The BJP has also attacked the ban imposed by the Delhi government on firecrackers during the festive season.

To this, Gopal Rai explained that it has nothing to do with festivals, but with the pollution levels during winter seasons in Delhi.

"We also ban construction, wood stove, and oven and vehicles during winters when emergency pollution controls are imposed. These are precautions taken to save people's lives and for the control of the pollution crisis," he added.