The Delhi government on Monday imposed a complete ban on the production, storage, sale and use of firecrackers till January 1, 2025. The measure is part of the city government’s ongoing effort to curb rising air pollution levels during the winter season.
Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai issued instructions regarding the ban. The ban applies to both physical and online sales of firecrackers.
A letter by the Environment Ministry has been sent to the Delhi Police Commissioner to strictly implement the ban.
“The Government of NCT of Delhi has decided to impose Complete Ban on manufacturing, storage, selling (including delivery through online marketing platforms) on all kinds of firecrackers and bursting thereof up to January 1, 2025 in the territory of NCT of Delhi,” the letter said.
It said daily action taken reports are required to be submitted to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee on email ID: msdpcc@nic.in.
The Minister has requested cooperation from all residents of Delhi in implementing the ban.
Earlier on October 9, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai informed that under the 21-point Winter Action Plan, ground inspections were conducted and several agencies were found negligent. In response, a meeting was held with over 120 agencies involved in construction work across various sites.
He said the Delhi government is actively working to curb pollution in the city. As part of this, an anti-dust campaign has been underway since October 7 to control dust pollution.
Winter remains a challenge, as low temperatures, stagnant air, and reduced rainfall typically lead to higher pollution levels in the national capital, he said.
The government has also activated a ‘war room’ to monitor pollution and launched the Green Delhi app to engage residents and the spraying of bio-decomposers to reduce stubble burning impacts.
Minister Gopal Rai has called for cooperation from citizens, the Central government, and neighbouring states to tackle winter pollution effectively.
Delhi is one of the world's most polluted cities throughout the year. But its air turns toxic especially in winter due to several factors, including burning crop remains, low wind speed and bursting of firecrackers during festivals.
The polluted air causes severe health issues to Delhi residents every year.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Tripura CM stresses promoting NE states' potential to attract investment
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the development of the communication process and system has generated a lot of investment potential, and therefore, more emphasis should be placed on promotion to attract investors in all the northeastern states.
Tripura has 94,723 Lakhpati Didis; 93,425 women to get similar status soon: Minister
Among the 4,75,582 Self Help Group (SHGs) members in Tripura, 94,723 women emerged as ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through their engagement in various enterprising units and 93,425 more women would be ‘Lakhpati Didis’ soon, Social Welfare and Labour Minister Tinku Roy said.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.