NEW DELHI: In a decisive move to tackle the alarming air pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi government has announced a complete ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region. This comprehensive ban, effective immediately, aims to address the severe environmental and public health challenges posed by firecracker emissions, especially during festive seasons.
The announcement comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi breaches the 450 mark, falling into the ‘severe plus’ category. The hazardous air quality has prompted the government to take stringent measures to curb pollution. The ban will be enforced by the Delhi Police and the Revenue Department, with violators facing penalties including fines and possible imprisonment.
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This move follows repeated directives from the Supreme Court, which has emphasized the need for stricter measures against firecrackers due to their harmful impact on air quality. Earlier temporary bans during festive seasons were not entirely successful, leading the government to adopt a more comprehensive approach this time.
“We are of the view that this ban will be effective only when other states forming part of the NCR region impose similar measures. Even the state of Rajasthan has imposed a similar ban in that part of the State of Rajasthan which falls in NCR regions. For the time being, we direct the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to impose a similar ban which is imposed by the state of Delhi under an order dated 19 December 2024”, the Court observed.
The regulation, issued under Article 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, aims to reduce the dangerous pollution spikes often seen during celebrations. The Supreme Court has also called for the creation of a mechanism similar to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for all states, highlighting that pollution is a “pan-India” issue.
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“In exercise of powers under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1993, the Delhi government has enforced a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, selling, including delivery through online marketing platforms, and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers in NCT of Delhi throughout the year with immediate effect,” Court said in the order.
The top court’s decision came after it was informed that restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi were failing as anti-pollution measures were not being followed in cities outside the NCR. The court has urged other states in the NCR, such as Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, to impose similar bans to effectively combat air pollution.
The Delhi government’s decision to impose a permanent ban on firecrackers is a significant step towards improving air quality and public health in the region. It underscores the urgency of addressing environmental challenges and the need for collective action to ensure a cleaner and healthier future for all.