As Delhi enters Deepavali season, govt. yet to issue orders to enforce its ban on firecrackers

Delhi government delays implementing firecracker ban to curb air pollution, despite pending approval from Lieutenant-Governor's office.

A month after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government announced a ban on firecrackers till January 1, 2025 to curb air pollution, an order to implement the restrictions is yet to be issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi government officials told The Hindu.

Firecrackers are currently being sold in different parts of the city ahead of the Dasara and Deepavali celebrations, according to traders.

“The file for the ban on firecrackers was pending with the Lieutenant-Governor’s office for the final nod. This week, it came back to the Chief Minister’s Office. An order is yet to be issued,” a government official said, adding it is expected to be issued soon.

When contacted, the government spokesperson did not offer any comment over the delay in the implementation of the ban.

The curbs were announced on September 9 by Environment Minister Gopal Rai, restricting the production, sale, storage, and use of all types of firecrackers to control air pollution in the winter season.

Mr. Rai had told reporters that the ban will be “strictly implemented” across the Capital with the help of the city police and other stakeholders.

“Right now, we are selling firecrackers but the government order can come anytime, so we are not stocking up much for Deepavali,” a trader from Old Delhi said.