Delhi Police has announced that a complete ban on bursting all types of firecrackers, including green crackers, has come into force across Delhi-NCR from November 9, following the expiry of the two-day window permitted under the Supreme Court's directions.

“Permission expired! Firecrackers are now banned,” Delhi Police said in a post on X, warning that anyone found violating the restrictions would face strict legal action.

Under the permitted arrangement, residents were allowed to burst firecrackers only during designated time slots on November 7 and 8. With the permitted period now over, the police have clarified that no category of firecrackers, including green crackers, can be used.

In a notice shared by the police, citizens have been advised against purchasing, selling or bursting firecrackers. Residents have also been asked to report violations to their nearest police station or call the emergency helpline 112 for immediate assistance.

“Respecting the rules is the hallmark of a responsible citizen,” the police said, urging people to refrain from bursting crackers and contribute towards keeping Delhi safe and pollution-free.

The enforcement warning comes amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital, which recorded its most polluted Diwali in five years.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 376 on November 8, when Diwali was celebrated. This was the highest AQI recorded on Diwali since 2021, when the figure stood at 382.

Air quality remained severely poor the following morning. At 10 am on November 9, Delhi's overall AQI was recorded at 371, the highest post-Diwali morning reading for the date since 2021, PTI reported.

Of the 51 air quality monitoring stations that reported data that morning, 33 recorded 'very poor' air quality, 14 fell in the 'severe' category and four were in the 'poor' category. Delhi Technological University recorded the highest AQI at 439.

This is the second time in recent days that Delhi Police has issued a public reminder regarding the restrictions. Before the permitted period began, the police had clarified through another post on X that firecrackers could be burst only on November 7 and 8.

With the permitted window now closed and pollution levels remaining high, the police have urged residents to strictly comply with the restrictions.