The Delhi government on Monday issued an order imposing a complete ban on bursting of all kinds of firecrackers. It also bans the manufacturing, storage and sale of firecrackers, including delivery through online marketing platforms.

“There will be a ‘complete ban’ on all kinds of firecrackers regarding manufacturing, storage, sale (including delivery through online marketing platforms) and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers until 01.01. 2025 in the territory of NCT of Delhi,” said an order issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee under the environment department.

The order asked the Delhi Police to enforce the ban strictly and submit reports on the action taken to the committee on a daily basis.

Winter action plan 2024

The ban on firecrackers is part of a series of measures planned by the Delhi government as part of its winter action plan 2024 to tackle air pollution.

In a first, the Delhi government will use drones to monitor air quality in various pollution hotspots in the city in real time. The plan also includes hot spot monitoring, vehicular and dust pollution, stubble and garbage burning, industrial pollution and upgrading of green war room, etc.

The government also plans to introduce work-from-home policies for the government and the private sector, begin preparations for the odd-even system and explore the possibility of causing artificial rain to remove pollutants.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has stressed the need for cooperation from neighboring states to address cross-border pollution issues, including the impact of stubble burning in surrounding areas.

On Monday, air quality levels in Deli were recorded in the ‘poor’ category with a reading of 220 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, between 51 and 100 satisfactory, between 101 and 200 moderate, between 201 and 300 poor, between 301 and 400 very poor and between 401 and 500 severe.

(With contribution from agencies)