The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Monday announced a comprehensive ban on the manufacturing, sale, storage, and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers, to combat air pollution ahead of the winter season.

The ban will be effective till 1st January, 2025.

This directive, issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, includes restrictions on online sales and deliveries, a first of its kind in the fight against pollution.

The decision follows the severe deterioration in air quality typically observed in the region during the winter season, exacerbated by the use of firecrackers. The ban is part of the government’s broader initiative to mitigate air pollution and protect public health, particularly during the festive season in winter months when pollution levels spike to hazardous levels.

Reacting to the ban on firecrackers, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “The harmful effects of firecrackers on air quality are well known, and with this decision, we aim to take preventive action to ensure that our air remains breathable. The ban also includes strict measures to regulate the sale of firecrackers through online platforms.”

“Delhi has faced extreme pollution levels in recent years in winters, and we must take every possible step to safeguard the health of our citizens. We urge residents to cooperate and support Delhi’s collective fight against pollution,” he said.

The Minister said the Delhi Police has been tasked with the strict enforcement of this ban and daily reports on compliance are to be submitted to the DPCC.

Rai added that this initiative is also a critical step in the long-term strategy to improve air quality across the national capital.

Last week, the Minister said the AAP government is working on a 21-point Winter Action Plan to curb pollution in the national capital.

Rai informed that as part of the plan, an anti-dust campaign was launched on 7th October. A total of 523 teams from 13 different departments have been deployed to inspect construction sites across the city and monitor conditions on the ground.