According to Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday, setting off firecrackers during Diwali in Delhi might result in a six-month jail sentence and a fine of Rs 200. Delhi is the most polluted capital in the world. The high levels of pollution in the city are caused by a number of elements, including factory emissions, traffic fumes, and prevailing weather patterns. Every winter, when farmers in neighbouring states burn agricultural stubble, the air becomes especially hazardous. Additionally, Diwali fireworks damage the air quality because low wind speeds trap pollutants in the lower atmosphere.

PM2, or tiny particulate matter, is present in dangerously high concentrations in the smog-filled air that blankets the city at this time. Due to the calm breezes and the consistent weather conditions, air quality is predicted to drop to the "very poor" level ahead of the festival on October 24 this year as well.

The Delhi government, which has done this every year for the past two, banned the manufacture, sale, and usage of all firecrackers totally as of 1 January in September. Gopal Rai, the environment minister, announced on Wednesday that anyone caught possessing or selling fireworks will be subject to a fine of up to 5,000 rupees and a three-year prison sentence.

In order to enforce the regulations, the government has established 408 teams made up of police officers and pollution officers. 2,200kg of firecrackers were recovered by the police from all over the city hours later, according to the Times of India newspaper.

Key Points

• Gopal Rai, the environment minister, announced on Wednesday that anyone caught possessing or selling fireworks will be subject to a fine of up to 5,000 rupees and a three-year prison sentence.

• In order to enforce the regulations, the government has established 408 teams made up of police officers and pollution officers.

• According to Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday, setting off firecrackers during Diwali in Delhi might result in a six-month jail sentence and a fine of Rs 200.

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