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‘Firecrackers unfairly blamed’: CTI flags pre-Diwali Delhi pollution, seeks action on stubble burning

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The Chamber of Trade and Industry noted that Delhi’s Air Quality Index reached severe levels of 350 to 400 well before any celebratory fireworks began this season. Business leaders pointed to regional crop residue burning and regular winter weather patterns as the dominant drivers of the capital's pollution crisis. To balance environmental concerns with livelihoods, the trade body proposed implementing fixed bursting hours and permitting green firecrackers. This approach aims to safeguard an industry that generated roughly Rs 300 crore in Delhi sales this Diwali.

Key points

  • The Chamber of Trade and Industry is urging political leaders to address stubble burning…: The Chamber of Trade and Industry is urging political leaders to address stubble burning rather than blaming short-term festival celebrations.
  • Business representatives argue that environmental restrictions unfairly target Hindu trad…: Business representatives argue that environmental restrictions unfairly target Hindu traditions instead of applying uniform rules to all occasions.
  • Industry advocates recommend a compromise featuring green firecrackers, designated bursti…: Industry advocates recommend a compromise featuring green firecrackers, designated bursting hours, and earlier retail approvals to protect small businesses.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

NEW DELHI: Firecracker sales in Delhi were estimated at around Rs 300 crore this Diwali, Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) chairman Brijesh Goyal said on Tuesday.

He argued that firecrackers were being unfairly held responsible for the national capital's pollution, urging political parties to join hands to tackle stubble burning and other sources of pollution.

Speaking about the Diwali business, Goyal said Delhi continued to be a major market for firecrackers, most of which are sourced from Sivakasi and other places.

He said businesses could have managed sales better if permissions had been granted earlier.

"Firecracker sales were good this Diwali, with business estimated at around Rs 300 crore. Delhi is a major market, although most firecrackers come from Sivakasi and other places. Earlier permission would have helped businesses manage sales better," he said.

Goyal argued that although firecrackers generate some smoke, their impact is temporary and other pollution sources also need to be tackled.

"Firecrackers are being unfairly blamed for Delhi's pollution. While they do cause some smoke, their impact is temporary. Pollution levels are already high between…

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