Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday extended the complete ban on firecrackers, including their production, storage, sale, and use as well as online sales and delivery, until January 1, 2025. According to a statement issued by Rai’s office, the action was taken keeping in mind the “danger of increasing air pollution in Delhi during the winter season”. The ban will be strictly implemented following an action plan prepared jointly by the Delhi Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and Revenue Department, said Rai. The step was taken to avoid pollution from the burning of firecrackers during winter, said the statement.
Quoting Rai, the statement said, “In view of such a situation, like last year, this time also a complete ban is being imposed… So that there is no confusion among the people regarding firecrackers, this ban is valid for all types of firecrackers…Delhi government does not want traders and dealers to suffer any kind of financial loss”.Rai has appealed to the residents of the Capital to cooperate with the Delhi Government as multiple campaigns would be held under the Winter Action Plan based on 21 focus points to curb pollution in the city.
“To control pollution in Delhi, we all have to take responsibility together. If every citizen of Delhi becomes a pollution warrior and takes the lead to save the environment, then we will be able to save people from the danger to their breathing due to pollution. We want to tell Delhiites to celebrate the festival by lighting diyas and distributing sweets. We have to celebrate the festival with flamboyance but we have to control pollution with the same responsibility,” said Rai in the statement.