Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:
- The Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on firecrackers until January 1, 2025.
- This ban includes the manufacturing, storage, and sale, including online platforms.
- Firecrackers worsen Delhi’s air quality during winter, prompting this measure.
Aakhir Tak – In Depth:
Delhi Imposes Firecracker Ban Till 2025 to Combat Air Pollution
In an effort to tackle increasing air pollution, the Delhi government has announced a complete ban on firecrackers until January 1, 2025. The ban covers the manufacturing, storage, and sale of all types of firecrackers, both offline and online. This step aims to curb the worsening air quality during winter, a time when Delhi’s pollution levels rise to hazardous levels.
Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai shared the notice issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that the city’s air quality worsens significantly during winter, and the bursting of firecrackers is a key contributor to this pollution. Rai appealed to the people of Delhi for their cooperation in this initiative to improve air quality and protect public health.
According to the DPCC notice, the ban is comprehensive, extending to all forms of firecracker activities, including online deliveries. This decision comes as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a hazardous 370 on Monday, highlighting the city’s growing pollution crisis.
Following Dussehra celebrations, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 224, further triggering concerns about air quality. The Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and plans to implement anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
GRAP, in its first stage, mandates strict enforcement of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders, particularly regarding the phasing out of older diesel and petrol vehicles. Additionally, it includes a complete ban on the use of coal and firewood in eateries and other establishments once the AQI surpasses the 200 mark.
