Sale of crackers: Delhi govt intensifies raids on markets

NEW DELHI: Despite the Supreme Court banning firecrackers from being sold in the national Capital, various reports of black marketing have reached the Environment Department of Delhi government.

After an emergency meeting with the officials last week, Delhi Environment minister Imran Hussain directed formation of different teams to intensify raids on markets to stop illegal sale of firecrackers.

"We have to stop any sale of crackers and have formed teams with senior officials who will enforce the ban," said Hussain.

The officials of the Environment department stated that the teams consist of senior officials, who will visit the popular marketplaces where firecrackers are reportedly being sold.

The department would also approach the police regarding help for the raids.

Hussain has ordered for stern action against any violators of the SC-ordered ban and Delhi Police has already cancelled licenses of all existing firecracker shops in the city.

"It is our duty to stop all the selling of firecrackers, not only because it is an order from the Supreme Court, but also because this will help the environment of the city," said an official of the Environment department.

According to sources, the minister has also considered visiting some markets where firecrackers are sold illegally in the city to ensure effective implementation of the ban.

In the first round of reports, the government has found that some violators who are selling the crackers at exorbitant rates would be the first target of these raids.

Meanwhile, as promised earlier, the Delhi government is all set to launch the new air quality monitoring canters before Diwali.

The government had already started three of these stations before the FIFA Under-17 world Cup started in the city on October 6.

Government officials have asserted that due to these centres, the government has started gathering more accurate data on air quality.

Hussain has also directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to intensify its work, as Diwali is knocking at the door and the air quality is not in a much stable state.