Delhi govt mobilises teams to enforce firecracker ban amid Diwali festivities, rising air pollution

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai's office notified on Tuesday that 77 teams from the Revenue Department and 300 teams from the Delhi Police have been deployed across the city to ensure effective implementation of the firecracker ban. It further informed that so far, 79 cases related to the sale and storage of firecrackers have been registered, resulting in the seizure of approximately 19,005 kg of firecrackers.

"In a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, Minister Gopal Rai reviewed the enforcement of the ban and instructed the Delhi Police to conduct meetings with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), market associations, and religious committees to raise public awareness," the official notification said.

Earlier this month, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee imposed a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers until January 1, 2025, in the national capital. This decision comes in response to the worsening air quality in Delhi following Dussehra, with certain areas experiencing heavy smog. On Monday, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 328, categorised as 'Very Poor,' only slightly better than Sunday's average.


Despite the firecracker ban, SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) has warned that additional emissions from firecrackers and stubble burning may keep air quality in the 'Very Poor' category for the coming week. A notice from SAFAR stated, "Meteorological conditions are unfavourable for effective dispersion of pollutants."

In light of the alarming air quality, authorities implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting at 8:00 AM on October 22, 2024.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi implored Delhi residents on Monday, including BJP members, to follow the curbs on fireworks. Earlier, AAP had criticised the BJP and blamed the saffron party for the worsening air quality in NCR.