The Delhi Police has directed social media and e-commerce platforms to immediately cease the online sale and delivery of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory (NCT) amid rising air pollution levels.
According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the directive aims to safeguard public health and prevent the sale of firecrackers through digital platforms.
“As a crucial step in protecting the health and well-being of citizens directly affected by increasing pollution and to prevent the sale of firecrackers through e-commerce platforms, providing delivery options to addresses within the NCT of Delhi, e-commerce websites and social media platforms were directed in writing via email on November 19, 2024,” the Delhi Police said in its statement.
The platforms have been instructed to remove firecracker listings, disable services for customers in Delhi, implement location-based restrictions to block sales and deliveries within the city, publish notices informing users of the prohibition, and ensure delivery partners do not accept, transport, or deliver firecracker-related consignments during the ban period.
Additionally, platforms have been asked to provide written confirmation of their compliance.
The Delhi Police emphasized that these measures are vital to addressing the critical issue of air pollution and protecting public health. The directive is expected to enforce the ban effectively and prevent violations through digital platforms.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Environment Department of the Delhi Government had earlier imposed a blanket ban on the manufacture, storage, and bursting of all categories of firecrackers in the city, effective from October 14, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The latest initiative by the Delhi Police seeks to curb online sales, which undermine the effectiveness of the ban.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 379 on Thursday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This falls in the ‘very poor’ category. Delhi has been grappling with severe to severe+ levels of air pollution over the past few days.
