NEW DELHI: Pre-Diwali preparations in Delhi have taken an environmentally conscious turn as the local government has imposed a comprehensive ban on the production, storage, sale, and usage of fireworks within the national capital. This stern prohibition on all forms of fireworks has been in place for the past three years, with the decision attributed to a marked improvement in the air quality of the region over the past half-decade, according to Gopal Rai, Delhi's Environment Minister.
The ban, which comes into effect from November 1, 2023, and extends until January 31, 2024, has been enacted as part of an extensive strategy to combat winter pollution in Delhi-NCR. Legal underpinnings for this measure are found in Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. However, there is a notable exception for "green firecrackers," which will be allowed for a limited period during key festive occasions such as Diwali, New Year's Eve, Christmas, and Gurpurab.
The Delhi government has underscored the gravity of violating this ban, warning that individuals involved in the manufacture, storage, or sale of firecrackers could face penalties of up to Rs 5,000 and a potential three-year imprisonment.
Furthermore, commencing on October 1, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board will implement the Graded Response Action Plan in accordance with the revised guidelines set forth by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Under the new CAQM guidelines outlined in their citizen charter, citizens are strongly urged to refrain from using firecrackers during festive celebrations.
Notably, Gurugram has also embraced the ban on firecrackers, aligning its dates with Delhi-NCR from November 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. However, similar to Delhi, there is an exception for the limited use of green firecrackers during Diwali, New Year's Eve, Christmas, and Gurpurab.
It is worth noting that in 2018, the Supreme Court rendered a verdict against a blanket ban on firecrackers but permitted the sale of "green crackers," known for their reduced environmental impact, through licensed traders.
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