Delhi Violates Firecracker Ban During Diwali Celebrations

People in Delhi disregarded the ban on firecrackers and celebrated Diwali by bursting them in various areas of the city. Shahpur Jat and Hauz Khas were among the localities where several people were seen gathering at parks to light firecrackers. The intensity of bursting firecrackers increased after 4 pm, although it was comparatively lesser than last year.

However, not many people ventured out of their houses in and around the locality, except for a few. Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari reported that firecrackers were also burst in her residential area of Defence Colony. Complaints had been registered at the Defence Colony police station, but no action seemed to have been taken.

Despite the Supreme Court's firm stance on firecrackers, implementing authorities have failed to prevent their usage. Many residents are concerned about the health risks posed by the smoke and pollution caused by firecrackers. Bhavreen Kandhari expressed her worry about how children are being exposed to such harmful environment as a result of these celebrations.

While areas like Greater Kailash and Chittaranjan Park experienced lesser intensity in firecracker bursting till 7.30 pm, it was expected to increase after performing puja. The sounds of firecrackers being burst were heard from 6 pm onwards in the Chhatarpur locality of south Delhi. Shopkeepers in the area were seen flouting the ban by selling small firecrackers to children.

In the Lalita Park area of Laxmi Nagar, very few firecrackers were burst till 7.30 pm, with locals anticipating an increase in intensity later in the night. Similar moderate effects were observed in several other areas of east Delhi. Residents, however, claimed that the number of firecrackers burst this year was significantly less compared to the previous year.

The Supreme Court's ban on firecrackers extends beyond the Delhi-NCR region, covering every state. This measure was implemented to tackle the severe air pollution that plagues the city. As the celebrations continue, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will respond to the violation of the ban.