In order to curb pollution in India’s capital Delhi during the festive season, the city's Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday extended a “complete ban” on the production, sale, and use of fireworks in the city until January 1, 2023.
The minister announced that this time there will also be a ban on the online sale and delivery of fireworks in Delhi.
In addition, an action plan will be drawn up with the Delhi police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and Revenue Department to ensure that the ban is implemented strictly across the city.
Reacting to the decision of the Delhi government, BJP parliamentarian Manoj Tiwari in a tweet in Hindi said: “The failure of Delhi State Chief Arvind Kejriwal has been exposed in front of everyone. All claims to curb pollution have failed. Why is there a blanket ban on crackers during festivals? Green crackers are allowed. National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has made discovered green firecrackers, which should not be banned. Last year, the Supreme Court also did not justify the complete ban.”
The announcement by Delhi's environment minister came almost a month ahead of Diwali, one of the main festivals for Hindus. People celebrate by worshiping Lord Ganesha and the goddess Laxmi, decorate their houses and shops with lights, and set off fireworks.
However, the Supreme Court of India in 2021 said that a blanket ban on fireworks may not be possible, but measures should be taken to prevent the use of toxic chemicals and only fireworks found to be injurious to health are banned.