To combat Delhi’s escalating air pollution, all forms of firecracker production, storage, sale, and use have been prohibited with immediate effect.
Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai on Wednesday announced that it was essential for the city government to implement the ban in order to save lives.
He said additionally, that this time a restriction on the online purchase and distribution of firecrackers in Delhi has also been imposed, and this ban will last until January 1, 2023.
Rai further said that along with this, a joint action plan will be prepared with the Delhi Police, DPCC, and Revenue Department to strictly implement the ban.
Giving more details about the ban, he said, “As Delhi’s pollution issues worsen over the winter, the burning of firecrackers also seems to be an important contributing factor. In view of such a situation of pollution, a complete ban is being imposed on the production, storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers, so that people’s lives can be saved.”
“Also, the sale and delivery of any form of firecrackers online would be completely prohibited this year due to the fact that it was seen that many people purchased firecrackers online last year. In order to prevent confusion among the public regarding firecrackers, this restriction will apply to all sorts of firecrackers,” Rai said.
And this ban will remain in force in Delhi till January 1, 2023, so that the people of Delhi can be relieved from the problem of pollution caused by the burning of firecrackers, he said.
Rai further informed, “Last year many incidents of people bursting crackers were reported in Delhi due to easy availability of firecrackers. At the same time, the Delhi government does not want any financial loss to the traders and dealers this time. To avert any such situation, it has been decided to implement a complete ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of all forms of firecrackers in time. And to strictly enforce it throughout Delhi, a coordinated action plan would be created with the Delhi Police, DPCC, and Revenue Department.”
He said, “Delhi government is very serious about controlling pollution. To control pollution, the government is preparing a winter action plan based on 15 focus points. In the coming days, various campaigns will be executed according to the Winter Action Plan, so that pollution can be controlled. In such a situation, we appeal to the residents of Delhi to cooperate with the government to control pollution.”
“We all have to take responsibility together to control pollution in Delhi. If every citizen of Delhi takes a stand to save the environment by becoming a pollution warrior, then we will be able to save the lives of a number of people. We simply have one message for Delhi residents: celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas and distributing sweets. While it is important to celebrate Deepavali with pomp and show, we also have a responsibility to curb pollution,” Rai added.