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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Delhi declares war on air pollution with full-year ban on firecrackers
In a move to fight air pollution, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has announced a permanent, year-round ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of all kinds of firecrackers in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The order was issued on Sunday through a public notice under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It applies to all individuals, institutions, and organisations across Delhi. The DPCC has made it clear that anyone found violating the ban will face legal consequences, India Today reported. To ensure the ban is properly enforced, the public has been encouraged to report violations. Complaints can be made through: The Noise Pollution Grievance Redressal web portal The Green Delhi mobile app The helpline number 155271 Emergency services via 112 This is not the first time a firecracker ban has been enforced on the national capital. A similar restriction was introduced last year by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Crackdown on online firecracker sales In line with the firecracker ban, the Delhi Police have issued instructions to e-commerce and social media platforms to stop the online listing and delivery of firecrackers within the city, news agency ANI reported. This directive follows the Supreme Court's order dated May 6, 2025 and aims to ensure complete compliance with the NCT (National Capital Territory) government's orders. According to a statement from the Delhi Police Crime Branch, ecommerce platforms have been told to remove firecracker listings in Delhi; apply location-based restrictions to prevent sales in the city; inform customers clearly about the prohibition and; instruct delivery partners not to accept or transport firecrackers. They have also been asked to confirm compliance in writing. Any failure to follow the order will attract criminal prosecution under relevant laws. Banquet halls, hotels also advised Not just online sellers — banquet halls, hotels, and guesthouses have also been informed to strictly comply with the ban. Police have issued advisories urging them to ensure no manufacturing, storage, or bursting of firecrackers takes place on their premises. ₹35 cr worth of Chinese firecrackers seizes In a significant crackdown under 'Operation Fire Trail', the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) last week seized Chinese firecrackers and fireworks worth ₹35 crore that had been illegally imported, according to a report by news agency PTI. An official from the agency said the contraband was hidden in seven shipping containers located at Nhava Sheva Port near Mumbai and Mundra Port and Kandla SEZ in Gujarat. 'These Chinese fireworks, weighing 100 metric tonnes, were smuggled by mis-declaring them as mini decorative plants, artificial flowers, and plastic mats,' the official said. (With agency inputs)
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
‘Operation Fire Trail': DRI seizes Rs 35-cr worth of Chinese firecrackers from Mumbai ports
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Chinese firecrackers worth approximately Rs 35 crore, following a multi-port operation codenamed 'Operation Fire Trail', the agency said on Friday. The action, based on specific intelligence inputs, led to the interception of seven containers at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and the Kandla Special Economic Zone (SEZ). According to a statement by the DRI, the seized cargo weighing nearly 100 metric tonnes was illicitly imported in the name of a KASEZ unit and certain Import-Export Code (IEC) holders. The goods were falsely declared as 'Mini Decorative Plants', 'Artificial Flowers', and 'Plastic Mats' in an attempt to evade detection. The press release noted that some of the consignments were routed through the Kandla SEZ with the intent of illegal diversion into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA), in violation of the SEZ provisions. A key individual, identified as a partner of the SEZ unit, has been arrested for his role in the smuggling operation and remanded in judicial custody by the court. The import of firecrackers is classified as 'Restricted' under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy and requires licences from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008. The DRI pointed out that the smuggled firecrackers contained banned chemicals such as red lead, copper oxide, and lithium, which are hazardous to health and the environment. 'Firecrackers pose a significant risk to public safety, port infrastructure, and the broader logistics supply chain due to their highly combustible nature,' the DRI said in its statement, adding that the successful seizure prevented potential threats such as accidental explosions and disruptions in cargo handling operations. 'This meticulously planned and seamlessly executed operation underscores DRI's resolve to detect, deter, and dismantle illicit networks that undermine the Exim trade ecosystem and endanger public safety,' the release said. Further investigations are underway.
News18
4 days ago
- News18
DRI Seizes Chinese Firecrackers Worth Rs 35 Crore In Major Crackdown, 1 Arrested
Last Updated: DRI Mumbai seized Chinese firecrackers worth Rs 35 crore in 'Operation Fire Trail.' The illegal imports were intercepted at Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Kandla SEZ. In a massive crackdown against illegal imports, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, has seized Chinese firecrackers worth approximately Rs 35 crore. The recovery was made as a part of the operation codenamed 'Operation Fire Trail'. The crackdown led to the interception of seven containers of these crackers at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ. The firecrackers, weighing around 100 metric tonnes, were illicitly imported under false declarations, disguised as goods like 'Mini Decorative Plants," 'Artificial Flowers," and 'Plastic Mats." The imports were routed through a KASEZ (Kandla Special Economic Zone) unit and several IEC (Importer Exporter Code) holders, with an intent to divert the consignments into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). A key individual, a partner in the SEZ unit, was identified as the mastermind behind the operation and has been arrested. He has been remanded to judicial custody by the court. Under India's Foreign Trade Policy, firecracker imports are classified as 'Restricted' and require license from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), as per Explosive Rules 2008. Firecrackers and fireworks contain banned and hazardous chemicals like red lead, copper oxide, and lithium. Due to their explosive nature, such consignments pose a major threat to public safety, port infrastructure, and the broader logistics network. This carefully coordinated operation reflects DRI's strong commitment to curbing smuggling activities and protecting national security. By intercepting these dangerous goods, the agency has averted risks of accidental explosions and serious disruptions to the supply chain. The DRI continues to strengthen its vigilance to dismantle illicit smuggling rackets that undermine Exim trade ecosystem. view comments First Published: July 12, 2025, 10:14 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- India Gazette
DRI foils major smuggling bid, seizes Rs 35 crore worth of Chinese firecrackers in
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): In a major crackdown on smuggling of Chinese firecrackers and fireworks into India, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in an operation codenamed 'Operation Fire Trail', successfully traced, intercepted, and seized huge quantities of Chinese firecrackers/fireworks, valued at approximately Rs 35 crore. According to a official statement from Ministry of Finance, the items were found concealed in seven containers destined for or lying at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ, These Chinese fireworks, weighing 100 metric tonnes, were illicitly imported in the name of a KASEZ unit and certain IEC holders, by misdeclaring them as goods such as 'Mini Decorative Plants,' 'Artificial Flowers', and 'Plastic Mats'. Notably, some of these consignments were routed through Kandla SEZ by a KASEZ unit with the intent of diversion into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). The key individual, a partner of the SEZ unit, found to be actively involved in the smuggling of Chinese firecrackers/fireworks through misdeclaration and misuse of SEZ provisions, has been arrested. He has been remanded to judicial custody by the Court, the release stated. The import of firecrackers is 'Restricted' under ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy. It requires licences from DGFT and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosive Rules 2008. Firecrackers and fireworks are harmful because they contain banned chemicals like red lead, copper oxide, and lithium, as per the release. Firecrackers pose a significant risk to public safety, port infrastructure, and the wider logistics supply chain due to their highly combustible nature, the release stated. This meticulously planned and seamlessly executed operation underscores DRI's unwavering resolve to combat smuggling, safeguard the nation's critical infrastructure, and protect public safety. By preventing these illegal, hazardous shipments from entering Indian markets, DRI has averted potential hazards ranging from accidental explosions to supply chain disruptions. The DRI remains committed to its mission of detecting, deterring, and dismantling illicit networks that undermine the Exim trade ecosystem and endanger public safety. (ANI)
