Overview

• A DPCC public notice issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act took effect immediately and bars the manufacture, storage, sale and bursting of all firecrackers in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
• The permanent prohibition, first notified by the Delhi government on December 19 under a Supreme Court directive, has been in force since January 1 and replaces previous seasonal bans.
• Violations of the ban will incur legal action under environmental protection laws.
• Officials have set up multiple reporting channels, including the Noise Pollution Grievance Redressal portal, the Green Delhi mobile app, helpline 155271 and ERSS-112, for residents to report breaches.
• The blanket restriction continues despite the BJP’s prior opposition and its promise to lift a similar ban after coming to power.