The Delhi government on Wednesday banned the storage, sale and use of firecrackers in the national capital during the Diwali season due to concerns over hazardous air pollution levels.
The move mirrors that by the ruling AAP last year, when pollution levels were also linked to the wider spread of COVID-19. The city saw a spike in cases – a seven-day average of around 6,000 per day- as air quality dipped in the week after Diwali.
“In view of the dangerous condition of Delhi’s pollution during Diwali in the last three years, like last year, a complete ban is being imposed on storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers. (This is) so that people’s lives can be saved,” Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.
A 2018 study found that Diwali caused a small increase in the National Capital’s air pollution. The five-day festival sees revellers setting off sparklers, smoke bombs, and aerial fireworks. These spew heavy noxious gas into the atmosphere that linger for a long time.
Last year, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index reading of 414 or the severe category — the worst levels since Diwali 2016 — despite the government’s cracker ban.
Worsening air pollution could also spark another Covid-19 wave in the city. A Harvard University has shown that exposure to air pollution over a long-term not only leads to vulnerability against Covid-19 but worse outcomes.
The Delhi government has already tasked its different departments and municipal corporations with preparing air pollution action plans by September 21. These plans will become part of the state’s Winter Action Plan.
At a review meeting on Tuesday, different government departments were allocated focus points from the 10-point action plan, Environment Minister Gopal Rai told The Media.
The development department will prepare an action plan on stubble burning. Government agencies that carry out constructions will submit a plan on dust pollution control. The transport department and traffic police will create a plan for vehicular pollution, including higher scrutiny of pollution certificates. The municipal corporations will prevent garbage burning by removing the waste on time. The environment department, on the other hand, will collaborate with the Centre and other states.
To bring dust pollution under control, the municipal corporations, Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Municipal Council, State Public Works Department, Central Public Works Department, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, and Cantonment Board will prepare an action plan on mechanical road sweeping, dust suppression chemical procurement, dust disposal plan, and training staff.
