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Diwali celebrations in Delhi witnessed a sharp surge in fireworks sales this year after the Supreme Court’s limited relaxation on their use. Traders reported brisk business, with many shops running out of stock even a day before the festival, prompting residents to travel to nearby cities like Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Sonipat to purchase fireworks. According to Brijesh Goyal, Chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), the demand for fireworks this festive season was unprecedented. “Most traders exhausted their stocks a day before Diwali. People were travelling across NCR to buy fireworks,” he said. Preliminary estimates indicate that total sales of fireworks in Delhi alone touched around Rs 500 crore this year, not accounting for additional purchases from neighbouring cities. Paramjit Singh Pamma, President of the Sadar Bazaar Association, added that traders recorded nearly 40% higher sales compared to last year. Alongside fireworks, festive lights and decorative items also saw a significant rise in demand. The Supreme Court, in a bid to balance festival traditions with environmental concerns, had permitted the sale and use of green fireworks under strict conditions. The court allowed their sale between October 18 and 21 and restricted bursting to two short windows, 6-7 AM and 8-10 PM, on the day before Diwali and on Diwali itself. However, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have expressed concern over widespread violations of these rules. BS Vohra, President of the East Delhi RWA Joint Front, said fireworks continued well past the permitted hours in several areas, with bursts reported until 3 AM. “Many senior citizens and patients with respiratory issues were affected. The time limit of 10 PM was largely ignored,” he noted. Atul Goyal, President of United Residents Joint Action (URGA), said that efforts to promote eco-friendly celebrations had limited impact. “While festival enthusiasm was high, awareness and compliance remained low. Authorities need to enforce rules more strictly next year to ensure celebrations are safe and enjoyable,” he added. For several years, the Supreme Court had imposed a complete ban on fireworks in Delhi. This year, considering improvements in air quality, it permitted the controlled use of green fireworks, aiming to strike a balance between public health and traditional festivities.
