The Delhi government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has once again banned the use of firecrackers in anticipation of the upcoming festive season. This decision is aimed at protecting the environment and reducing pollution during the winter months. The new regulations prohibit all activities related to firecrackers, including manufacturing, storage, sale, online delivery, and use in the national capital.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that Chief Minister Kejriwal made the decision to ban firecrackers during Diwali in order to combat pollution. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee will issue a circular to ensure that no licenses are granted for firecrackers.
This is not the first time Delhi has implemented such restrictions leading up to the festive season. Last year, the government had declared that setting off firecrackers in the city during Diwali could result in a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of ₹200.
Rai emphasized the need to continue improving Delhi’s air quality and stated that the firecracker ban will be upheld this year as well.
Previously, the government had outlined penalties for the production, storage, and sale of firecrackers in Delhi. Violators could face a fine of up to ₹5,000 and a three-year prison term under Section 9B of the Explosives Act. However, there is no updated information on this matter from the Kejriwal government at the moment.
