Firecrackers allowed despite health emergency in Delhi

New Delhi: In a controversial move amid the city’s worsening pollution crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has voiced support for limited firecracker use during Diwali, breaking ranks with his cabinet colleagues who advocate for a total ban due to the ongoing public health emergency

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting on Delhi’s air quality measures, Sirsa said, “If the Supreme Court lifts the ban, we are ready to comply fully. But let’s also not ignore citizens’ sentiments. People should be allowed to celebrate with certified green firecrackers under regulated conditions.”

He added, “Our government will ensure strict enforcement so that only NEERI-approved green crackers are used. We cannot impose impractical bans that people won’t follow.”

Sirsa’s remarks came even as the Delhi Pollution Control Committee reaffirmed its permanent ban on all types of firecrackers, citing PM2.5 levels already crossing the “severe” mark in several areas. Health officials warned that even short bursts of firecracker use could push air quality to emergency levels.

Cabinet colleagues, including senior health officials, were reportedly displeased with Sirsa’s stance. A government insider said, “The city’s hospitals are on alert because respiratory cases have doubled this week. This is not the time to talk about relaxing firecracker bans.”

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta earlier told the Supreme Court that Delhi would respect any directions on the matter but stressed the need to “balance public sentiment and environmental protection.”

Environmentalists, however, criticized the mixed messages. Pollution researcher Dr. Ananya Sharma stated, “Delhi is already under a health emergency due to toxic air. Any leniency, even temporary, would be disastrous.”

The Supreme Court, which earlier allowed the sale of green firecrackers for five days during Diwali on a trial basis, has issue its final verdict ans allowed the green crackers from 18 Oct to 21 Oct

Meanwhile, the Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed Stage 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 211 on October 14, categorising it as “Poor.”

The move comes amid forecasts from the IMD and IITM predicting that pollution levels are likely to remain in the same category over the coming days.

With the activation of GRAP-1, several measures have been put in place to control dust and limit emissions as follow:-

– Dust control measures, including the use of anti-smog guns, will be enforced at all construction and demolition sites.

-Open burning of waste, including garbage, leaves, and other materials, is prohibited.

-Coal or wood fuel use is banned in roadside food stalls and commercial kitchens. Hotels, restaurants, and open dining spaces must use electricity, gas, or other clean fuels.

-Use of diesel generators is restricted to essential or emergency situations only.

-Vehicles causing pollution may be fined or impounded.

-Traffic control measures include deployment of police at major intersections, with instructions for drivers to switch off engines at red lights.

-Older vehicles are prohibited: diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old cannot operate in Delhi-NCR.