Notable instances occurred in Shahpur Jat and Hauz Khas, where groups gathered in parks to engage in firecracker festivities. The intensity of the celebrations peaked after 4 pm, though it was reportedly lower than the previous year.
Few individuals ventured outside their homes in the vicinity, with environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari revealing instances of firecracker use in Defence Colony, despite complaints made to the local police station.Expressing disappointment, she highlighted the failure of implementing authorities to enforce the ban, questioning the Supreme Court’s stance on the matter.
“The Supreme Court’s firm stance on firecrackers got blown in the smoke of the firecrackers. Despite warnings and a complete ban…implementing authorities have failed yet again. Wondering what stance will the Supreme Court take now? …We are allowing our children to choke in the name of celebration,” she said.
As of 7:30 pm, Greater Kailash and Chittaranjan Park experienced relatively subdued firecracker activity, with expectations of increased intensity after traditional pujas. In contrast, Chhatarpur in south Delhi witnessed firecracker sounds from 6 pm onward, with some shopkeepers openly selling small fireworks to children.
In East of Kailash, firecrackers were set off, and intermittent noises continued from households around 6:30 pm. The Lalita Park area in Laxmi Nagar reported minimal firecracker activity until 7:30 pm, with locals anticipating a potential increase later in the night.
Despite moderate effects in various parts of east Delhi, residents noted a noticeable reduction in firecracker use compared to the previous year. The Supreme Court’s November 7 order emphasized that the ban on firecrackers containing barium extends to all states and is not confined to the Delhi-NCR region, which has been grappling with severe air pollution.
(With agency inputs)