Delhi bans manufacturing, sale, storage and use of firecrackers

The Delhi government on Monday banned the manufacturing, sale, storage and use of firecrackers, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said. The measure is being taken as part of action plan to curb pollution in winters.

Rai said the Delhi Police will be issued strict directions to implement the ban in the city.

The Delhi government has been following the practice of banning all kinds of firecrackers for the last three years. "We have seen a considerable improvement in Delhi's air quality in the last five-six years but we have to improve it further. Therefore, we have decided to ban firecrackers this year too," Rai said.