October 14, 2024: In response to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1, 2025. The move aims to address the city’s increasing pollution levels as the winter season approaches.
“We cannot change the weather, but we are trying to reduce pollution sources,” Rai stated. He urged Delhi residents to cooperate with the government’s efforts to curb pollution, emphasizing that collective action could significantly improve the city’s air quality.
“We have imposed a ban on firecrackers. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued a directive today. From now until January 1, there will be a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers within Delhi,” Rai told ANI. He added, “If we all work together to control the sources of pollution, the quality of life for Delhi’s residents will improve.”
The decision comes as the city’s air quality index (AQI) reached the “poor” category, with the likelihood of further degradation as winter sets in. The stagnant winter air often exacerbates pollution levels by trapping particles close to the ground. To address this, the government has launched an anti-dust campaign, which commenced on October 7. This campaign targets dust pollution generated by construction activities, a significant contributor to poor air quality.
During a visit to Pritam Pura, where a sports complex hostel is under construction, Rai found that the construction company Tevatia Construction Private Limited had failed to comply with dust control regulations. The DPCC fined the company Rs 50,000, giving them a week to take corrective measures. Failure to comply will result in stricter penalties.
“The weather department’s forecast suggests that temperatures will rapidly drop now. As the cold increases, the pollution particles in the atmosphere will settle lower,” Rai warned, stressing that reducing pollution sources is the most effective solution to combat the city’s rising pollution.
In addition to the firecracker ban, the government has outlined 11 measures to tackle pollution, with potential emergency measures on standby should air quality worsen further.
With Delhi’s air quality in a precarious state, the government is doubling down on efforts to curb pollution. Residents are urged to cooperate with the firecracker ban and observe stricter dust control measures, as officials work to implement both short-term and long-term strategies to ensure cleaner air for the city.
