Delhi Govt to control import of illegal firecrackers to check pollution during Diwali

Chinese firecrackers containing 'sulphur' and 'sulphurate' were banned in 1992 as they led to high levels of air pollution

With the festival of Diwali, accompanied by air pollution, around the corner, the Delhi government has directed the Customs Department to prohibit the import of harmful crackers and asked the Delhi Police to ensure action is taken against any violation of law.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee is trying to control the impact of firecrackers on air quality around Diwali by asking authorities to check the entry of illegal firecrackers into the national capital.

The Centre had passed a notification in 1992 banning the use of Chinese firecrackers containing 'sulphur' and 'sulphurate' as they led to a high level of air pollution. However, the ban has not been enforced adequately over the years.

This year, however, the Delhi government is aiming to fully implement the ban.

However, according to another notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on September 6, 2006, only those crackers with sound levels below 90 decibel (dB) would be allowed for use. Among the permitted crackers, are those that do not emit noises beyond 125 dB from a distance of 4 meters away from the impact site.

The licensing branch of Delhi police has been directed to inform and warn dealers and license holders about the new notification and its provisions.