New Delhi, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has called for a broader approach to tackling Delhi’s air pollution, arguing that Diwali firecrackers should not be singled out as the primary cause while seasonal factors such as stubble burning in neighbouring states require sustained attention.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said the organisation supported clean air and opposed pollution but maintained that attributing the city’s deteriorating air quality solely to firecrackers used during a single festival was neither scientifically justified nor fair to traders.
In a statement, the trade body questioned whether authorities or any credible organisation could guarantee that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) would remain below 300 between October and January if firecracker sales were completely prohibited.
It pointed out that Delhi’s AQI reportedly remained between 350 and 400 on November 5, 6 and 7, before Diwali firecrackers were burst on November 8. The CTI cited these readings to argue that pollution has multiple contributing factors and cannot be explained by firecracker use alone.
The organisation urged the Centre and neighbouring state governments to coordinate efforts to tackle stubble burning, which it identified as a major contributor to the seasonal deterioration in Delhi’s air quality.
The CTI also highlighted the economic consequences of restrictions on the firecracker trade. It said nearly 10 lakh people across the country were associated with the industry, including manufacturers in Sivakasi and retailers in Delhi. According to the organisation, small traders invest throughout the year and depend heavily on the 15-20 days around Diwali for a substantial share of their annual earnings. Last-minute restrictions, it said, can leave their investments stranded.
Questioning why traders were targeted despite the production of green firecrackers in accordance with court directions, the CTI advocated a regulated approach involving fewer firecrackers, designated bursting hours and the promotion of green alternatives instead of a complete ban.
The trade body also raised concerns about what it described as selective enforcement of environmental restrictions during Hindu festivals, citing rules and interventions concerning Diwali, Holi, Chhath, Kanwar Yatra and Ganesh idol immersion. It questioned why similar scrutiny was not applied with equal intensity to firecrackers used during New Year celebrations.
Clarifying that it respected all religions and communities, the CTI called for uniform application of environmental laws, saying its demand was for equal treatment rather than exemption from pollution-control measures.
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