Delhi: Mixed response to ban on crackers’ sale

New Delhi: Wholesalers and retailers in the capital are in a shock and are expecting huge losses following the order to ban the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR.

On Tuesday, a delegation of traders from the wholesale market of fireworks at Jama Masjid met Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and discussed their problems and the losses they will incur due to the ban. 

Delhi BJP spokesperson P.S. Kapoor has said it was matter of concern that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) works with a negative mindset. He also said that due to its impractical recommendations, the courts and the government are forced to take un-implementable decisions.

Meanwhile, the wholesalers involved in the business said they have booked crackers to sell this Diwali and the sudden ban will bring them literally on the road. They added they have invested all their money in it. One of the largest firecracker markets in Delhi, Dariba Kalan behind Jama Masjid, had no joy for the upcoming festival.

“Why should we suffer? We know that burning firecrackers increases air pollution, but is it the only reason? The caravan of VIPs, factories, and automobiles increase the pollution way more. Why not ban them?” said Ajeet, the president, firecracker market union.

“Why don’t they ban the burning of crackers or ban its manufacturing? Banning the sale won’t make any difference as people will buy crackers from neighbouring states. Our business will be hit  as we have already bought products worth crores of rupees and if the ban will not be reversed we will be in debt,” he added. For some people Diwali would be great as there won’t be any sort of pollution, but for people like Ajeet the festival will be ruined.