The Delhi government has announced a ban on the storage, sale and use of firecrackers during Diwali owing to the severe pollution levels in the city.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce the ban on firecrackers during the festival.

"Seeing the severe pollution levels in the national capital for the last three years during Diwali, a complete ban is being imposed on storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers in Delhi this time, just like last year," Arvind Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

पिछले साल व्यापारियों द्वारा पटाखों के भंडारण के पश्चात प्रदूषण की गंभीरता को देखत हुए देर से पूर्ण प्रतिबंध लगाया गया जिससे व्यापारियों का नुकसान हुआ था। सभी व्यापारियों से अपील है कि इस बार पूर्ण प्रतिबंध को देखते हुए किसी भी तरह का भंडारण न करें।

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 15, 2021

In July this year, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee had announcement an amendment in the fine amount levied for creation of noise pollution in Delhi. According to the fine rates, people can be fined up to Rs 1 lakh for causing noise pollution.

As per the rule, the fine to be imposed on any individual burning firecrackers after the stipulated time is Rs 1,000 in residential and commercial areas and Rs 3,000 in silent zones.