Delhi police seizes over 1,600 kg of illegal firecrackers ahead of Diwali

In a major pre-Diwali operation, the Delhi Police's Crime Branch has confiscated around 1,645 kilograms of illegal firecrackers across the city. The crackdown, which began on October 3, 2025, is part of ongoing efforts to enforce the city’s strict firecracker ban and curb pollution during the festive season. In Dwarka, a raid led to the seizure of 320 kg of firecrackers from the residence of 24-year-old Akash Gupta, who disclosed that the banned items were sourced from Chander Kant, a 36-year-old porter from Uttam Nagar. Kant was later apprehended in Rohini with 400 kg of firecrackers in his vehicle. On the same day, authorities arrested 34-year-old Rahul Sagar from Shastri Nagar after recovering 412 kg of illegal firecrackers from his premises. The following day, police raided an LED bulb manufacturing unit in Mukundpur, Bhalswa Dairy, uncovering 182 kg of illegal firecrackers and taking the owner, identified as Sonu, into custody.

The crackdown comes amid growing environmental and public health concerns in Delhi, which already struggles with high levels of air pollution, particularly during winter months. Firecrackers release harmful particulate matter and toxic gases that worsen air quality and pose serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Authorities emphasize that these operations are crucial not only to enforce the legal ban but also to prevent pollution spikes that endanger public health. Past Diwali celebrations have caused air quality to deteriorate dangerously, making early enforcement essential to protect both citizens and the environment.

Compared to previous years, the scale of seizures in 2025 has increased significantly. In 2024, Delhi Police seized approximately 4,662 kilograms of illegal firecrackers over multiple raids. Despite these efforts, enforcement challenges persisted, and additional batches continued to surface in different parts of the city until the festival. Similarly, in early October 2025, over 1,645 kilograms of illegal firecrackers were seized in just 48 hours, including a massive haul in Rajouri Garden of 3,580 kilograms, reflecting both intensified enforcement and the persistent presence of the illegal trade.