Despite the limits on the use of these pollutants, firecracker sales in Delhi experienced a sharp increase this year, as merchants reported good business and a large influx of customers, according to local press reports.

This occurred despite social welfare associations (RWAs) expressing concern about non-compliance with explosion time limits and the deterioration of air quality, reported the PTI news agency.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CTI), Brijesh Goyal, confirmed to the news outlet that there was strong demand for firecrackers during these holidays and added that total firecracker sales in Delhi were around 500 million rupees, a little over five million dollars.

According to Paramjit Singh Pamma, president of the Sadar Bazar Association, traders experienced a nearly 40 percent increase in sales this year equal to last year.

“In addition to firecrackers, items such as lights and decorative materials also saw increased demand,” he added.

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