The Delhi government on Wednesday banned the storage, sale and use of firecrackers within the capital during the Diwali season because of concerns over hazardous pollution levels.
The move mirrors that by the ruling AAP last year, when pollution levels were also linked to the broader spread of COVID-19. the town saw a spike in cases – a seven-day average of around 6,000 per day- as air quality dipped within the week after Diwali.
“In view of the damaging condition of Delhi’s pollution during Diwali within the last three years, like last year, an entire ban is being imposed on storage, sale and use of all sorts of firecrackers. (This is) in order that people’s lives is saved,” Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.
Mr Kejriwal acknowledged last year’s ban had been imposed late and led to losses for traders.
He indicated the lateness of the ban also led to some traders continuing to stock and sell firecrackers – which then contributed to Delhi’s worst air quality levels (on the day after Diwali) in four years.
Air quality within the urban center was ‘severe’, with PM2.5 levels nearly sixfold the safe limit. PM10 levels were about 10 per cent over the safe limit; in some areas this figure was significantly higher.
“In view of the seriousness of pollution after the stocking of firecrackers by trader… last year an entire ban was imposed late, which caused losses to traders. it’s an appeal to any or all traders… visible of the entire ban, don’t store or sell firecrackers,” he tweeted.
Air pollution levels in Delhi – ranked in March because the most polluted capital city within the world – have long been a debate between those that put in force bursting firecrackers and environment and health experts.
In 2019, pollution levels skyrocketed during and after Diwali.
In 2018 the AQI crossed the 600-mark, which is 12 times the safe limit.
Despite these concerns, last year many defied the law – and rules by the National Green Tribunal, which banned firecrackers within the urban center Region from November 9 to the top of the month.
Other states, including those ruled by the BJP, refused to completely implement a ban; Assam said there would be no restrictions as “Hindus have right to celebrate” and Haryana offered a two-hour windowIn addition to firecrackers, pollution in Delhi during the festival session is formed worse by stubble burning – a contentious practice – in neighbouring states like Haryana, Punjab and state.
