Taking in view the approaching Diwali festival and the already deteriorating air quality of the National Capital Region (NCR), the Delhi Government has issued directions allowing the use of only "green" firecrackers in the national capital. Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday announced that Only 'green' firecrackers can be manufactured, sold and used in Delhi this Diwali.  ALSO READ | Limited Entry, Mandatory To Wear Face Mask: Govt Calls For Strict Measures As Festive Season Approaches; Check SOPs

Since the starting of this month, the air quality in the Delhi-NCR started to dip to the 'Poor' level, with a layer of haze blanketing the morning visuals. Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar had earlier this month said that the major factors behind air pollution in the country are traffic, industries, waste, dust, stubble, geography and meteorology.

The use of firecrackers during Diwali festival and stubble burning in neighbouring states further contributes in the air pollution.

On Saturday, October 24th, the Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped to 346, on Friday the AQI touched 366, while it was 302 the previous day. According to the reports, some of the worst affected areas in the city include Mundka, Wazirpur and Alipur which recorded "severe" levels of air pollution.

In the wake of Diwali and other approaching festivals, the Delhi and Central government earlier this month, issued various generic precautionary measures to be adopted to prevent spread of COVID-19 infection during the approaching festivals.

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As per the issued SOPs, no festive program will be allowed in the Containment Zone. Persons over 65 years of age, pregnant women and children under 10 years of age are advised to stay at home. Moreover, Fairs/Melas/Food-stall/Rallies/Exhibitions/Processions will not be permitted during festivals till 31st October, 2020 in Delhi.