Delhi Police is maintaining a strict watch against the use of firecrackers in the city and remains on high alert following recent intelligence reports. A total of 377 teams of Delhi Police and government officials have been deployed to enforce a comprehensive ban on the sale and use of firecrackers during Diwali.

“Legal actions will be taken against anyone caught using firecrackers during the festival,” a senior police officer stated to PTI. Officers will also patrol in plain clothes to ensure compliance with the ban.

On October 14, the Delhi government instituted a ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the city, which will remain in effect until January 1. The heightened security measures come in the wake of an explosion on October 20 that damaged a wall at a CRPF school in Rohini’s Prashant Vihar area. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but nearby shops suffered damage to hoardings, and parked vehicles had broken windows.

Police presence will be increased in crowded markets during Diwali, including Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Greater Kailash, Azadpur, and Ghazipur. “Security arrangements are particularly focused on markets, malls, vital installations, and other crowded areas. Police visibility has been bolstered through intensified patrolling and additional checkposts. All personnel are on high alert to prevent any incidents,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Apoorva Gupta.

North District DCP Raja Banthia emphasised, “All preventive measures are being taken by police staff to ensure a smooth celebration of the festival.” Police are also closely monitoring activities in border areas.

A vigilant eye is being kept on all railway and metro stations, with extra forces deployed to address any suspicious behaviour. Patrolling teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have been instructed to report any unusual activity immediately.

“Regular anti-sabotage checks are being conducted along railway tracks and in markets with the assistance of dog squads and bomb disposal teams,” the officer noted. Continuous monitoring of CCTV cameras is in place, and police control rooms have been prepared for any situation that may arise. New Delhi DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla stated that the teams are fully prepared to handle any circumstances and have participated in numerous mock drills.

With inputs from PTI