Delhi bans firecrackers to check air pollution

The Taj Mahal is seen amid smoggy condition in Agra, India on Wednesday. Areas around India Gate, Akshardham and ITO were full of smog, which caused breathing problems for regular morning walkers and cyclists in Delhi in the past week, the Times of India reported, citing Central Pollution Control Board data. Photo: AFP

The bursting of firecrackers could be a reason behind the rising air pollution levels in the Indian capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday.

As a step to curb air pollution, the Delhi government has decided to ban the bursting of firecrackers during the forthcoming festival of lights Diwali, that falls on Nov. 14.

Kejriwal said the air pollution situation in Delhi is becoming grim due to stubble-burning in neighboring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana.