The Indian capital, Delhi, has imposed a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of fireworks until January 1, 2025, in an effort to combat severe air pollution. The Delhi Department of Environment announced this decision through an official order on Monday. Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, urged citizens to cooperate with the government’s initiative to curb pollution, especially as winter approaches. He emphasised the need for public support: “In view of the increasing pollution in winter, a ban has been imposed on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers from today till Jan. 1. The ban includes the period of the Hindu festival Diwali, set to be celebrated on November 1, during which people traditionally set off firecrackers.

Source: Nigerian Tribune October 14, 2024 13:37 UTC