New Delhi will ban fireworks from October to January to reduce air pollution. These months are particularly tough as the metropolis is enveloped in smoke from burning stubble, dust and automobile exhaust. In addition, October 24 is the Diwali festival of lights, and the city fills with smoke from pyrotechnics launching, Reuters writes.

New Delhi is home to 20 million people. It is the most polluted capital in the world.

To keep people safe from the danger of pollution in Delhi, as last year, this year also completely banned the production, storage, sale and use of all types of fireworks. This time there will also be a ban on their online sale and delivery in Delhi, said Gopal Rai, the city's environment minister.

The exact date on which the ban will take effect will be announced in the coming days. In previous years, the restrictions were imposed just before Diwali. It is known that they will last until January 1, 2023.

Some Hindus condemn the decision of the city authorities. They believe that banning fireworks during Diwali restricts their freedom of religion.