Delhi bans fireworks for Diwali amid worsening air quality

In India, the Delhi government has implemented a comprehensive ban on the manufacturing, sale, storage, and use of all types of firecrackers until the new year. This decision, announced by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, aims to address the deteriorating air quality in the capital, which has been exacerbated by pollution spikes during the festive season. The ban includes restrictions on online sales and deliveries, reflecting the government's commitment to public health amid rising pollution levels. Following the Dusshera festival, air quality in Delhi was reported to be in the 'poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 228, indicating significant health risks associated with fine particulate matter. Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the necessity of this ban, particularly as winter approaches, when pollution levels typically increase due to various factors, including dust pollution and biomass burning. The government has a history of banning firecrackers, with previous measures taken in 2017 and 2018, but this year’s blanket ban is a response to ongoing health concerns and the need for preventive action. Critics, including a spokesperson from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, have questioned the effectiveness of the ban, arguing that the government has not provided scientific evidence linking firecrackers to the primary sources of pollution. Nonetheless, the Delhi government is urging residents to cooperate in efforts to improve air quality during this critical period.