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Coimbatore: The festival of light triggered unabated joy and raucous celebrations in the city with vibrant fireworks lighting up the night sky. People donned new clothes and joyfully set off fireworks with their families.Besides traditional firecrackers, aerial displays and decorative fireworks captivated many, painting the sky with a spectrum of colours. Children were thrilled with rocket and guitar-shaped fireworks, and butterfly crackers, while women enjoyed sparklers and flower-pots. Many roads in the city were deserted, as students returned to their hometowns for the celebrations. Despite the rain for a brief time, people continued to burst the fireworks, undeterred by the wet conditions. After hours of festivities, a dense layer of smoke settled over the city, and heavy smog enveloped major roads, reducing visibility significantly.
Gurgaon: A large number of people flocked to the cracker godowns and shops of Gadoli on Saturday following the Supreme Court's order permitting the use of green crackers.The influx caused traffic jams early in the morning, and by 8 AM, the tailback of vehicles reached up to Umang Bharadwaj Chowk. Crowds had started gathering in front of the three licensed warehouses in the area from midnight. The court permitted only three days for the sale of the crackers. As a result, people wanted to buy stock as soon as possible.Not just from the city, but buyers from Delhi had also arrived to buy firecrac ...Read More >
Kolkata: Cracker violations have turned out to be a concern in various pockets of the city on Dhanteras (Saturday), barely two days ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali. These violations have been reported from Kasba, Dhakuria, Baguiati, New Town, Salt Lake, Phoolbagan and New Alipore. The seizures of illegal firecrackers had become more than double in the past 48 hours, police said on Saturday. The cops will intensify the crackdown on firecracker violators on the day of Diwali (Monday) by forming special teams to raid the city. "In case of use of banned crackers, we may not provide bail from police ...Read More >
New Delhi/Noida/Gurgaon: As the legal sale of green firecrackers opened Saturday, crowds thronged markets, examining and bargaining, reviving a pre-Diwali ritual that was paused in recent years because of ban. However, conventional crackers, far more numerous and easily available than the green ones, were selling freely across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon, flouting SC orders.TOI reporters who went across NCR found certified green crackers, known by their QR codes with licensing details, were available in the main markets, but so were banned conventional crackers with green labels and f ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: India trialled cloud seeding over its smog-filled capital for the first time, spraying a chemical from an aeroplane to encourage rain and wash deadly particles out of the air. Cloud seeding is the practice of using aeroplanes to fire salt or other chemicals into clouds to induce rain. New Delhi city authorities, working with the government's Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, launched a test run on Thursday (Oct 23) afternoon using a Cessna light aeroplane over the city's norther ...Read More >
Content creator Sam Pepper was banned from livestreaming platforms Pump.fun and Kick after sending a young teen to the hospital in New Delhi, India, by hitting them in the face with a firework while live. Pepper and his friends had been firing Roman candle-style fireworks at each other during the Diwali festival, with locals joining in on the chaos. Any enjoyment quickly turned sour when the British influencer directly hit a local young teen in the face with a firework. "Oh my god! Oh my god, h ...Read More >
New Delhi: Supreme Court's move to ease the ban on firecrackers is largely seen as a festive allowance, but some Delhiites are planning to illuminate homes and hearts, not skies. They plan to replace fireworks with earthen lamps, lanterns and shared meals at community gatherings.The shift from smoke to light, which reflects a growing awareness that Diwali joy needn't be at the cost of the city's air and its residents' health, is palpable in several neighbourhoods. Locals in Greater Kailash-II have embraced the idea of a quiet Diwali over the years. "We have got used to meeting at the park and ...Read More >
Delhi AQI: A thick layer of smog covered Delhi on Tuesday morning, just a day after Diwali celebrations filled the sky with fireworks. The city woke up to an acrid haze, reduced visibility and burning eyes, as air pollution levels reached hazardous levels. The national capital topped the list of the world's most polluted major cities, with residents struggling to breathe even indoors. While Swiss-based monitoring agency IQAir reported Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) at a shocking 1,121, India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded a much lower 351, which falls under the "very poor" ...Read More >
India's top court on Wednesday permitted the use of some firecrackers in New Delhi during the Diwali festival, easing a blanket ban even as the capital battles unhealthy winter air pollution. The Supreme Court said the controlled use of the less-polluting "green firecrackers" -- developed by federal research institutes to reduce particulate and gas emission -- would be allowed for limited periods between Saturday and Tuesday. During Diwali, a major Hindu festival of lights, widespread bursting ...Read More >
Visakhapatnam: Compared to the previous year, firecrackers have become costlier this time. The festival of lights gains larger significance at households where children come together to celebrate. Irrespective of the community and religion, people from across sections celebrate Diwali in the world. The sale of fireworks commenced on Saturday in Visakhapatnam. The district administration granted permission to set up stalls for the purpose at various places, including Andhra University Grounds, Gopalapatnam, Pendurthi, Sheelanagar, Gajuwaka, Malkapuram and other areas. Last year, those who visi ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Saurabh Bhardwaj on Wednesday alleged that four government agencies "worked together" to manipulate the national capital's air quality data on the night of Diwali, terming it a "criminal act" following reports that an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 1763 was recorded at the Nehru Nagar monitoring station before it was shut down.Speaking to ANI, Bhardwaj said, "They are corrupt and criminals, what they have done is a criminal act... Four different government agencies worked together to collect Delhi's pollution data on the night of Diwali... T ...Read More >
Nagpur: Diwali night was hectic for Nagpur's fire and emergency services department as firecrackers triggered a series of blaze calls across the city, keeping all fire stations on continuous duty. Out of 16 fire-related calls received in less than 10 hours, 11 were reported within a five-hour window on October 21 -- between 7pm and midnight -- stretching the city's firefighting network to its limits.The first call came around 7.05pm, marking the start of a long night for fire personnel. The blaze was reported inside the market committee office near Rahul Hotel in Ganeshpeth, and it took nearly ...Read More >
At least seven people have been reported dead after another body was pulled out from the rubble of an explosion that ripped through a firecracker factory in Hyderabad a day earlier, it emerged on Sunday. Rescue officials confirmed to Dawn the recovery of one more body from the rubble, which was pulled out late on Saturday. On Saturday, a statement from the Rescue 1122 spokesperson said that "a powerful explosion was reported in a firecracker factory on the banks of the Laghari Goth river, Latif ...Read More >
NEW DELHI (AP) -- Thick smog blanketed India's capital on Tuesday, a day after millions celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali with fireworks that sent air pollution levels soaring to hazardous levels across the city. Revelers in New Delhi burst firecrackers late into Monday night, filling the air with smoke and fine particles that mixed with seasonal pollution and stagnant weather conditions. By Tuesday morning, the city's Air Quality Index had climbed above 350 in several neighborhoods, a level considered "severe" and dangerous to breathe, according to the World Health Organization's daily ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: A thick blanket of smog engulfed Bhubaneswar following Diwali celebrations as the air quality levels plummeted last evening, reducing visibility to 500 metres by 9.30 pm. The air quality in the city plunged into the "severe" category, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 657 at 7 pm. According to CPCB, the AQI in the state capital was at a 'satisfactory' 54 at 4 pm. Areas like Rasulgarh, Baramunda and Patia were covered with firecracker smoke and rising particulates, making it difficult for commuters to drive safely as visibility on roads dropped to barely 20 metre ...Read More >
Amitabh Kant has said the top court prioritised the right to burn crackers over the right to live New Delhi: Amitabh Kant, Sherpa of the 2023 G20 Summit in India and former CEO of Centre's think tank NITI Aayog, has said Delhi's air quality "lies in shambles" and only "ruthless and sustained execution" of pollution control can save Delhi from "health and environmental catastrophe". He also said the Supreme Court prioritised the "right to burn crackers over the right to live and breathe". The s ...Read More >
Stage I of GRAP is implemented when the AQI exceeds 200. Stage II (Very Poor) comes into effect when it crosses 300, Stage III (Severe) at levels above 350, and Stage IV (Severe Plus) when the AQI goes beyond 400. New Delhi: Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'poor' category for the first time this season with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 211 on Tuesday ahead of Diwali. It forced Commission for Air Quality Management to impose stage I of Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) in Delhi-NCR. The ...Read More >
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 18 (MExN): The Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, has issued an advisory cautioning citizens against the use of banned firecrackers during the upcoming festive season and appealed to all residents to celebrate in an eco-friendly and responsible manner. The advisory stated that bursting of firecrackers is not only environmentally hazardous but also causes significant stress, fear, and other health-related issues in both humans and animals due to loud explosions and toxic gases. As per the guidelines, fireworks will be permitted strictly between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali and othe ...Read More >
New Delhi and its sprawling metropolitan region -- home to more than 30 million people -- are regularly ranked among the world's most polluted capitals, with acrid smog blanketing the skyline each winter. Cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, creating a deadly mix of emissions from crop burning, factories and heavy traffic. But pollution has also spiked due to days of fireworks set off to mark Diwali, the major Hindu festival of lights, which culminates on Monday night. The Supreme Court relaxed this month a blanket ban on fireworks over Diwali to allow the use of the less-pollut ...Read More >
NEW DELHI (AP) - Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali on Monday as lamps illuminated homes and streets across the country to mark the Hindu festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Diwali, derived from the word "Deepavali," meaning "a row of lights," is typically celebrated by socializing and exchanging gifts. The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in late October or early November. Shoppers crowded markets to buy flowers, lanterns and candles. The celebrations were most visible in Ayodhya city in Uttar Pradesh state. Hindus belie ...Read More >
New Delhi, October 21: A day after Diwali, the national capital city New Delhi woke up to thick and heavy layer of smog as the air quality deteriorated to the 'Very Poor' category on Tuesday morning, with most of the monitoring stations marked in the 'Red Zone' of pollution. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 350 as of 8 am today. As per the CPCB, Bawana recorded AQI of 423 as of 8 am, Jahangirpuri had an AQI of 407 and Wazirpur with an AQI 408 remains the worst hit areas with air quality falling under 'Severe' catego ...Read More >
Delhi's air quality data manipulation allegations surface after Diwali. Aam Aadmi Party claims government agencies conspired to alter pollution readings. Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa asserts Diwali's impact is minimal. He accuses AAP of communalizing the issue and scapegoating Hindus. Sirsa presents comparative data to support his claims, highlighting systemic issues over festival celebrations. Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) President Saurabh Bhardwaj on Wednesday all ...Read More >
Despite unseasonal rainfall, pollution levels refuse to drop with BKC, Malad, Deonar, all in the 'very poor' AQI category The festive fervour in Mumbai on Tuesday was marred by excessive pollution and smoggy air. As the Diwali festivities continued, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged deeper into the 'very poor' zone, with thick smog settling over key neighbourhoods stretching from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to Byculla and Malad. Despite the unseasonal showers across the city in the even ...Read More >
NOIDA: A day after Diwali, the air in Gautam Budh Nagar continued to remain toxic, showing no significant improvement despite a visible decline in festive fireworks. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI on Tuesday stood at 320 in Noida and 282 in Greater Noida. Data from the past two days revealed little change - Noida's AQI was 325 on Monday and 320 on Sunday, while Greater Noida recorded 282 and 287, respectively. The district's air had already turned foul even before the first sparkler was lit. The comparison with past years only highlighted the decline. In 202 ...Read More >
The results have also cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of 'green firecrackers', which were introduced to reduce pollution. Despite a sharp 77.5% drop in stubble burning this year, Delhi's air quality plummeted to its worst post-Diwali level in five years on Tuesday morning. The city woke up on Tuesday to a thick blanket of smog, with PM2.5 levels averaging 488 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly 100 times higher than the World Health Organization's safe limit. On Diwali night, readings to ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said the government plans to approach the Supreme Court to seek permission to allow the use of certified green firecrackers to celebrate Diwali in the national Capital. Reiterating the government's commitment towards taking measures to check air pollution in the city, CM Gupta said, "It will also be ensured that all green firecrackers are manufactured only by authorised institutions and have been certified and tested by competent and relevant departments." "The government believes that a balance between public sentiments and environmental ...Read More >
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 17 (ANI): With the Diwali festival just around the corner, the firecracker market is all set to light up Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal with vibrant colors, sparkling displays, and the growing demand for eco-friendly green fireworks. Firecracker shop owners in Bhopal's biggest market, Bairagarh have fully prepared them for the festive season by observing complete precaution and safety measures. The Fire Control team also inspected the market on Friday and gave necessary instructions to them. Former President of Bairagarh's Wholesale Fireworks Sellers ...Read More >
Hyderabad: With Diwali around the corner, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across Hyderabad are tightening regulations on firecracker use to ensure a cleaner, quieter festival.Notices issued to residents this week permit only eco-friendly "green crackers" and restrict their use to a one-and-a-half-hour window in the evening. Several RWAs have also banned high-decibel and aerial fireworks, citing health and safety concerns for children, senior citizens, and pets in the city.Speaking to TOI, Sai Ravi Shankar, president of the Federation of Gated Communities, Cyberabad, explained, "We have st ...Read More >
Ahmedabad: Ahead of Diwali festival, the city police on Tuesday issued a notification with regard to the sale and use of only green firecrackers within Ahmedabad limits from Oct 19 to Nov 5. The order, signed by police commissioner G S Malik under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and provisions of the Gujarat Police Act, follows Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal directives aimed at reducing air and noise pollution.The order states that only firecrackers certif ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Despite the govt's push for eco-friendly celebrations, Hyderabad's festive markets are buzzing with familiar sights and sounds. Green crackers, marketed as cleaner, safer alternatives, are seeing an uptick in sales, but traditional fireworks continue to dominate as customers cling to nostalgia and the thrill of noise and sparkle."At least 60%-70% of my customers ask for the old favourites -- rockets, atom bombs, and chakris," said Ramesh Gupta, a fireworks dealer at Begum Bazar. "People ask about green crackers, but buy the regular ones once they see the difference in sound and spar ...Read More >
NEW DELHI -- Thick smog blanketed India's capital Tuesday, a day after millions celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali with fireworks that sent air pollution soaring to hazardous levels. Revelers in New Delhi burst firecrackers late into Monday night, filling the air with smoke and fine particles that mixed with seasonal pollution and stagnant weather conditions. By Tuesday morning, the city's Air Quality Index had climbed above 350 in several neighborhoods, a level considered "severe" and dangerous to breathe, according to the World Health Organization's daily recommended maximum exposure. ...Read More >