Diwali Firecrackers

A Diwali-day explosion in Chennai killed four as illegal firecracker storage triggered a blast, highlighting India's recurring festive firework tragedies

Delhi-NCR hospitals report a sharp spike in breathing-related cases as air quality turns 'severe' after Diwali; doctors expect numbers to rise in coming days

Kant's remarks came a day after India celebrated Diwali, and the national capital witnessed the bursting of crackers in full frenzy, and it woke up to a thick layer of toxic air

The Delhi Fire Services received 269 emergency calls on Diwali night, an official said on Tuesday. However, no major accidents including loss of life or major injuries were reporters, he said. A senior DFS officer said the department remained on high alert throughout the festival, with all fire stations and quick response teams deployed across the city. "We received 269 fire calls till midnight. Fortunately, no major incidents were reported," the officer said. Most of the calls were related to minor blazes caused by firecrackers and diyas. The DFS had earlier cancelled all leaves of its staff and ensured that all vehicles and fire-fighting equipment were checked and kept ready for prompt response. The officer said detailed planning had been done in advance to ensure public safety during the festive period. "The Delhi Fire Services plays a crucial role during Diwali in combating fire-related incidents and ensuring the safety of citizens," the officer said, adding that last year, t

While most areas in the national capital recorded AQI levels above 300, several localities, including Greater Kailash and Patel Nagar, breached the 500 mark

Here's your essential doctor-approved guide to handle burns, eye injuries, and breathing problems safely this Diwali without panic

India's fireworks economy has undergone a significant transformation over the years, shaped by stringent pollution regulations and local bans

Doctors say most Diwali-related accidents are preventable with simple safety habits, from avoiding synthetic clothes to using green crackers and knowing first aid

In a big festive relief ahead of Diwali, the Supreme Court has eased its ban on firecrackers, but with a green twist. Watch the video to find out what the apex court said.

As Diwali lights up homes across India, doctors share crucial tips to protect children from firecracker burns, eye injuries, and smoke exposure while keeping the festive sparkle alive

The Supreme Court said that Delhi residents will be allowed to burst only certified low-emission crackers between October 18 and 21, from 6 pm to 10 pm, including on Diwali and the day before

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision allowing the use of green firecrackers in the national capital on Diwali and said district magistrates will designate places for their sale. Addressing a press conference here, Sirsa said manufacturers must ensure that no prohibited firecrackers enter Delhi-NCR markets and appealed to residents to use only green firecrackers. The government will hold a meeting at 3 pm with manufacturers and retailers of firecrackers on the matter, he said. This will be followed by another meeting at 4 pm with all stakeholder departments like Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Police and Delhi Pollution Control Committee. Sirsa said strict monitoring will be done to prevent the sale of banned firecrackers in Delhi and ensure full compliance with the apex court's directions. At present, the minister said, no one has a license to sell green firecrackers in Delhi and the district magistrates will iss

Despite claims of lower emissions and noise, green crackers continue to release harmful ultrafine particles and stress the heart and lungs, experts caution.

With Diwali just days away, Delhi stands divided between tradition and clean air. As the Supreme Court weighs lifting the ban on green firecrackers, the Delhi government gears up with enforcement team

This decision could mark the first festival season with legal fireworks in nearly five years, amid concerns over enforcement and the risk of worsening air pollution

CJI-led bench has allowed the bursting and sale of NEERI-approved green firecrackers for five days during Diwali in Delhi-NCR, with strict time limits and enforcement measures to curb pollution

On Diwali, 22 out of 31 monitored areas reported higher noise levels than last year, with only nine areas showing a reduction

Relentless bursting of firecrackers blanketed Delhi in dense smoke on Thursday, causing severe noise pollution and reducing visibility, as people defied a ban on firecrackers to celebrate Diwali. The city's air quality dropped to the "very poor" category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 330 at 10 pm. Key areas, including Anand Vihar, saw the AQI plunge into the "severe" category while PM2.5 concentrations soared, creating hazardous conditions for respiratory health. In contrast to the clearer sky on Diwali last year, when favourable conditions kept the AQI at 218, this year's celebrations returned the city to its notorious pollution levels, a pattern worsened by unfavourable meteorological conditions, stubble burning and vehicular emissions. Although the city government had set up 377 enforcement teams and spread awareness through local associations to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban, neighbourhoods across east and west Delhi reported large-scale flouting of the ...

Several states have imposed formal restrictions ranging from limiting hours to manufacturing, storage, sale, and use

Pollutants emitted by crackers may last in the air for day, troubling people with respiratory issues