Indian on Monday imposed a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale and use of firecrackers in its capital until January 1, 2025.

Through an official order, the Delhi Department of Environment made the announcement in efforts to combat air pollution in the capital city.

“There will be a complete ban on all kinds of firecrackers on manufacturing, storage, selling (including delivery through online marketing platforms), and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers up to 01.01.2025 in the territory of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi,” said the order.

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai urged local residents to support the government’s efforts to curb air pollution.

“In view of the increasing pollution in winter, a ban has been imposed on the production, storage, sale and use of firecrackers from today till January 1.

“The Delhi government issued instructions regarding the ban. Request for cooperation from all Delhiites,” said Mr Rai.

The department of environment has also directed police to implement the directions, Mr Rai added.

This is the fifth consecutive year of the ban on firecrackers in the capital region.

The ban will remain effective during the Hindu festival of Diwali, which will be celebrated on November 1.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, will be celebrated next month. People in India usually set off firecrackers as part of celebrating the festival.

For the past several years, it has been observed immediately after Diwali night that a thick blanket of smoke engulfs the city and outskirts.

According to Mr Rai, the air quality worsens because of the rampant bursting of firecrackers, which subsequently pushes air pollution levels to the “severe-plus emergency” category (above 500).

Authorities have been urging people to avoid bursting crackers on Diwali, an appeal that often gets ignored.

Delhi is among the worst polluted cities in the world.

Industrial activities and vehicular traffic are significant contributors to air pollution in the city, along with rampant construction.

In past years, the air quality in Delhi has become hazardous every year ahead of winter.

The situation often worsens due to the rise in emissions from stubble burning in neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, which increases the concentration of prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the air, much beyond the safety limits. 

(Xinhua/NAN)