Ban on Firecrackers is Illegal and Illogical – United Hindu Front Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s Report Confirms – Firecrackers Have No Impact on Air Quality
The United Hindu Front submitted a memorandum to Delhi’s Environment Minister Hon’ble Shri Maninder Singh Sirsa, the Chief Minister of Delhi, the Lt. Governor of Delhi, the Union Home Minister, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Commissioner of Delhi Police, stating that the ban on firecrackers during Diwali is unscientific, unconstitutional, and anti-Hindu, and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
In its memorandum, the Front stated that according to the report issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on November 1, 2024, it has been clearly established that despite the bursting of a large number of firecrackers on Diwali, there was no negative impact on Delhi’s air quality.
The Front presented data from 2018 to 2024 showing that firecrackers do not increase air pollution levels. Instead, the sulphur dioxide gas present in firecrackers is antibacterial in nature and helps purify the atmosphere.
United Hindu Front’s International Working President Shri Jai Bhagwan Goyal stated that the ban imposed by the Supreme Court is a direct violation of the “Explosives Rules, 2008.” Under Section 9.5 of these rules, any Indian citizen is allowed to manufacture and sell up to 100 kilograms of firecrackers without a license. Furthermore, Section 113 of the same rules provides for the issuance of licenses for the manufacture and sale of firecrackers. He added that in 2019, in response to a petition filed by the United Hindu Front, the Supreme Court had itself ruled that “green firecrackers” and those that do not adversely affect the health of children or the elderly can be used. Despite this, the Delhi Government and the DPCC have violated the Supreme Court’s own decision by imposing a complete ban on Diwali firecrackers.
The Front further alleged that certain foreign-funded organizations, such as the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and its representatives, are continuously working to defame India’s traditional festivals. These organizations receive millions of dollars in funding from the Ford Foundation (USA) and from the United Kingdom, and are attempting to weaken India’s economy and cultural heritage.
Shri Goyal said that Diwali is a festival of joy, light, and celebration. Firecrackers are not only a source of happiness for children but also help in purifying the atmosphere scientifically.The Front said that when the DPCC’s own report clearly states that even after massive use of firecrackers, there was no deterioration in the Air Quality Index, the Supreme Court should respect public sentiment and allow the use of firecrackers during Diwali, in accordance with its earlier judgment. Finally, the United Hindu Front appealed to the Delhi Government to work in coordination with the Central Government to ensure that millions of Hindus can celebrate their sacred and emotional festival of Diwali with full enthusiasm, joy, and grandeur.
