NEW DELHI: Firecracker sales in Delhi were estimated at around Rs 300 crore this Diwali, Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) chairman Brijesh Goyal said on Tuesday.He argued that firecrackers were being unfairly held responsible for the national capital’s pollution, urging political parties to join hands to tackle stubble burning and other sources of pollution.Speaking about the Diwali business, Goyal said Delhi continued to be a major market for firecrackers, most of which are sourced from Sivakasi and other places.He said businesses could have managed sales better if permissions had been granted earlier.“Firecracker sales were good this Diwali, with business estimated at around Rs 300 crore. Delhi is a major market, although most firecrackers come from Sivakasi and other places. Earlier permission would have helped businesses manage sales better,” he said.Goyal argued that although firecrackers generate some smoke, their impact is temporary and other pollution sources also need to be tackled.“Firecrackers are being unfairly blamed for Delhi’s pollution. While they do cause some smoke, their impact is temporary. Pollution levels are already high between October and January, even before Diwali, so stubble burning and other sources must also be addressed,” he added.In a letter dated November 10 to political parties, CTI said it was against pollution but opposed holding Diwali firecrackers solely responsible for the city’s poor air quality.It urged political parties to work with the Central government to find solutions to stubble burning in their respective states.The trade body questioned why Delhi’s pollution levels were high even before Diwali, pointing out that the air quality index (AQI) stood between 350 and 400 on November 5, 6 and 7, while firecrackers were burst on November 8.“That pollution was caused by whom? No firecrackers were burst at that time,” the letter said, contending that the figures showed firecrackers were not the only source of pollution in Delhi.CTI also flagged the recurring deterioration in air quality between October and January, attributing it partly to stubble burning in neighbouring states. It urged political parties to concentrate on resolving the issue instead of targeting firecracker traders.Highlighting the economic consequences of restrictions on the trade, CTI claimed that around 10 lakh people across the country were associated with the firecracker industry, from manufacturers in Sivakasi to small retailers in Delhi.It said many small traders invest throughout the year and rely on the 15-20 days around Diwali to earn their annual income.The organisation further said traders had invested in licensed stocks and green firecrackers, arguing that restrictions imposed at the last minute affected their investments and livelihoods.CTI suggested a middle path that would allow fewer firecrackers, limit their use to designated timings and encourage green firecrackers instead of imposing a complete ban. It also expressed concern over the impact of restrictions on children’s festival celebrations.The letter also questioned what it described as selective restrictions on Hindu festivals in the name of environmental protection, referring to Diwali, Holi, Chhath, Kanwar Yatra and Ganesh visarjan. It called for laws to be enforced equally across all festivals and occasions.Asking political parties to guarantee that Delhi’s AQI would not exceed 300 between October and January if firecrackers were completely banned, CTI said the answer lay in scientific and balanced pollution management throughout the year.“We want clean air, businesses to continue, traditions to be preserved, children’s happiness to remain and the law to be equal for everyone,” the letter stated.The letter was signed by CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal and other office-bearers of the organisation.(With inputs from ANI)
