Security tightened in Delhi for Diwali, cops to ensure blanket firecracker ban

At least 377 teams of Delhi Police and law enforcement personnel have been deployed across Delhi to ensure a blanket ban on the sale and purchase of fire crackers on Diwali.

In Short

• 377 security teams to enforce firecracker ban in Delhi
• Police will monitor busy markets, malls, train and metro stations
• Delhi's air quality worsens, 'very poor' on Thursday

Delhi Police have tightened security across the national capital, including in markets, malls, train and metro stations, to maintain law and order on Diwali today. At least 377 teams of police and other law enforcement personnel have also been deployed to check that the AAP government's blanket ban on the sale and purchase of firecrackers is being enforced.

A police officer told the PTI news agency that legal action will be taken against those who violate the ban.

On October 14, the Delhi government imposed a ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers across the city, effective until January 1, 2025.

Police personnel in civil dress will also keep a vigil across the city.

The markets in Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Greater Kailash, Azadpur, and Ghazipur, where large crowds gather in Diwali, will also see a heightened police presence.

Also speaking to PTI, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Apoorva Gupta said that intensified patrolling and deployment of extra pickets has been made especially in markets, malls, vital installations and crowded places.

"All staff are on high alert to thwart any untoward incident."

Echoing Gupta's remarks, North District DCP Raja Banthi said the police have taken all preventive measures to ensure smooth festivities.

Meanwhile, the police are also closely monitoring movements in border areas, as well as all the railway and metro stations.

Personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) will patrol the stations.

A police officer told PTI that "anti-sabotage checks" are being carried out along railways tracks and also markets with the help of dog squads and bomb disposal teams.

The officer added that CCTV cameras were also being constantly monitored.

The Delhi government's firecracker ban comes as the air quality levels in the city have worsened in the last few days.

On Thursday, Delhi's air quality dipped to the "very poor" category and is expected to deteriorate further as a result of Diwali-related activities.

The national capital has been on high alert after a blast struck a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) school wall in Rohini on October 20.

Although no injuries were reported, the explosion damaged nearby shop hoardings and the windows of parked vehicles.

(With inputs from PTI)