- विज्ञापन -
Delhi: On December 20, the Delhi government declared a total ban on all firecrackers in the national capital, effective January 1, 2025, prohibiting their sale, storage, and use throughout the year. This decision was communicated to the Supreme Court during a hearing, addressing the worsening air pollution in the city.
The government order, issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, mandates a permanent ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The order highlights the severe air pollution in Delhi, particularly during winter months, with pollutant levels—such as PM 2.5 and PM 10—significantly exceeding safe air quality standards. The entire territory has been designated as an Air Pollution Control Area according to the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Acknowledging the alarming air quality situation, the government noted that firecrackers contribute to pollution during festive seasons. A ban on firecrackers had already been in place since 2020, and now, the directive has been expanded to include a complete prohibition on their manufacture, storage, sale, and use in the National Capital Region, including online sales. This extended ban is a response to previously observed declines in air quality from October to January in the coming years.
