Delhi govt. imposes Rs 200 fine for manufacturing, selling and storing firecrackers ahead of Diwali [ Delhi, India ]

[ Reported as seen ]

Gopal Rai, the Environment minister of Delhi has rendered manufacturing, storing, and selling firecrackers in the national capital is a punishable offence. He added that anyone found indulging in these activities may face a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and a jail term of up to 6 months. Anyone found purchasing and bursting firecrackers is a punishable offense as well. Anyone found indulging in these activities will be fined up to Rs 200 and a jail term of six months.

Diwali falls on the 24 of October, 2022 and is one of the most important festivals of the year of the Hindus.

On September, 2022, Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal announced the re-imposition of a ban on manufacturing, selling, storing, and bursting firecrackers till January 1, including Diwali and other festivals.

Delhi government launched a program to raise awareness among the public of the name ‘Diya Jalao Patakhe Nahi’ on October 21. The government is planning to light 51,000 diyas or earthen lamps at Central Park in Connaught Place.

To impose the ban on firecrackers, the minister said that 408 teams had been formed. 210 teams under the assistant commissioner of police in Delhi Police, 165 teams under the revenue department, and 33 teams under the Delhi Pollution Control Committee have been constituted. These teams will impose the ban on the citizens of Delhi and, if required, will arrest the “accused” for bursting firecrackers on Diwali.

Till October 16, 188 cases of violations have already been registered in Delhi, and the government has seized over 2,900 KG of firecrackers.

It is yet another attack on a Hindu festival and a part of the larger picture of the subjugation of the Hindus in their own land.