Delhi Anti Firecracker campaign: 18% Reduction in pollution Nanoparticles

Last Updated: 17 Oct 2024

Delhi Govt announced a comprehensive BAN on the manufacture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers in the capital city[1]
-- Ban continues for 2024 as well

18% DOWN in Air nanoparticles due to Delhi cracker Ban: Research pubished in Aug 2024 for year 2022[2]

Many Delhi residents defy firecracker ban, encouraged & instigated by BJP ignoring public health for politics[3]

Anti-Firecracker Campaigns

A ban on firecrackers often encourages people to explore eco-friendly and sustainable ways to celebrate, the expert said, adding that LED lights, lanterns or diyas, help lower environmental and health impact

  • During festivals like Diwali, the government actively promoted awareness campaigns to discourage the use of firecrackers and light dia instead [4]
  • Helpline number 112 was established to report the use and sale of firecrackers. Those found storing and selling firecrackers would face fines of 5,000 rupees and up to three years in jail [5]

Adverse impact of Firecrackers on Air Pollution

  • SO2 concentrations JUMPED 1.95x and 6.59x higher compared to the concentration of pre-Diwali and normal days[6]
  • Metal Barium emitted as high as 1091x times, 25 times for Potassium, 18 times for Aluminium and 15 times for Strontium as compared to one day before the festival[6:1]
  • PM2.5 and SO2 were found to be the major pollutants produced by burning firecrackers. NH3, ethyl-benzene and NO were also found as significant emissions from fireworks[4:1]

References:

  1. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/sc-upholds-delhi-govt-order-banning-sale-use-of-firecrackers/articleshow/103633232.cms?from=mdr ↩︎

  2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/significant-18-decrease-in-air-nanoparticles-due-to-cracker-ban-new-study-reveals/articleshow/114260189.cms ↩︎

  3. https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/delhi-residents-defy-diwali-firecracker-ban-pollution-spikes-2022-10-24/ ↩︎

  4. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/patake-nahi-diya-jalao-delhi-govt-launches-anti-firecracker-diwali-campaign-11635380639638.html ↩︎ ↩︎

  5. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/diwali-firecracker-users-face-jail-under-new-delhi-anti-pollution-drive-2022-10-19/ ↩︎

  6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1352231004005382?via%3Dihub ↩︎ ↩︎