With Diwali just around the corner, the Delhi government is preparing for a shift in its firecracker policy. Following directions from the Supreme Court, which is considering lifting the ban on green firecrackers, the government has outlined several measures. Officials have emphasized the importance of ensuring the use of traditional firecrackers is checked, with plans for awareness campaigns and the deployment of enforcement teams.
Delhi Government’s Preparedness Measures
Delhi government officials have confirmed that directives have been issued to implement anti-pollution measures and to monitor the use of traditional firecrackers, should the ban on green firecrackers be lifted. A comprehensive plan is in place for execution, which includes:
- Establishing a dedicated control room to manage and address complaints regarding violations during the festive period.
- Deploying specialized enforcement teams comprising personnel from the Delhi Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. These teams will be tasked with preventing the sale and use of non-compliant firecrackers known to emit higher levels of pollutants.
- Empowering citizens to report violations through various online platforms such as the Sameer App, Green Delhi App, and other official channels.
- Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the types of green firecrackers that are permissible.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, “If the ban on bursting firecrackers is lifted, we will immediately hold a meeting to take necessary steps in light of the court order.” This proactive stance highlights the government’s readiness to comply with any directives from the Supreme Court.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had indicated a potential five-day lifting of the ban, noting that a complete ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region is “neither practical nor ideal” given the frequent violations and the need for a balanced approach.
The Delhi government’s proactive measures signal a concerted effort to manage air quality during the festive season while allowing for regulated celebrations.