New Delhi Bans Firecrackers To Combat Diwali Air Pollution

In a move aimed at curbing hazardous air pollution during the upcoming Diwali festival, India's capital city, New Delhi, has reinstated a comprehensive ban on firecrackers. The announcement was made by the city's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, during a press conference on Monday. Minister Gopal Rai declared, "Manufacturing, storage, sale, online delivery, and bursting of any type of firecrackers is completely prohibited in Delhi." Furthermore, authorities have instructed the police to cease issuing licenses for fireworks. Diwali, a Hindu festival celebrated in mid-November this year, traditionally involves the use of firecrackers. However, the thick smoke and pollutants generated by these fireworks have contributed to severe air pollution in the city, exacerbated by cold air trapping dust, vehicle emissions, and pollution from nearby agricultural burning. The Delhi government is scheduled to convene with experts this week to develop a comprehensive action plan to combat winter pollution. This pollution spike in the air quality often leads to a surge in respiratory ailments, prompting school closures and public health emergency declarations in one of the world's most polluted cities.