No Chinese firecrackers will go off in Delhi this season

The Delhi government on Friday resolved to ensure foolproof implementation of the ban on Chinese firecrackers this festive season, admitting their sale and use continued in the city despite restrictions, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

Kapil Mishra, soon after taking interim charge of the environment department, directed its Secretary to devise a plan and issue an advisory in this regard.

"Have instructed the Secretary of Environment to ensure a complete ban on Chinese firecrackers across Delhi.

"The Chinese firecrackers are said to be unsafe, hazardous to use and have detrimental effects on people's health. Last year's experience says it is in use and available everywhere," Mishra said in a series of tweets.

He said teams will be formed to check Chinese firecrackers illegal trade and keep a tab on it. The teams will also conduct raids, he said.

"The government will issue an advisory. RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations) and civil society organisations will be assisting the teams during the drives," he said.

Last year, the government had written to the Customs Department to continue to enforce the ban on such firecrackers.

The Centre had issued a public notification in 2014, warning importers and public of the legal consequences if they used such firecrackers.

The Centre had also said it was "illegal" to sell imported firecrackers (including Chinese firecrackers) in retail, since there had been no permit given to anyone to import such thing. -- BERNAMA