Indore: The combination of Diwali and state elections has led to a spike in demand for firecrackers, with sales up by over 10 percent this season.The Indore Wholesale Fireworks Dealers Association estimates that the firecracker business during the peak season, from Diwali through weddings, is around Rs 80-Rs 100 crore in Indore.Supplies of firecrackers in the market were short in the past two years due to disruptions in manufacturing post-pandemic, though supplies have returned to normal levels, according to traders and dealers.Firecrackers wholesaler Sanjay Choudhary said, Firecrackers sales this season are high because of Diwali and the election. Firecrackers are used in election rallies, and this has led to a fresh demand this season.Traders said that colourful anar and ladees are in high demand this year, mostly by members of political parties to use in election rallies and during canvassing.Suresh Ferwani, another dealer of firecrackers in the city, said, This is the peak demand season for firecrackers, and demand looks better. However, the surge in sales is not on the expected lines due to restrictions and concerns over air pollution.In response to the increased demand, local traders have placed higher orders for crackers in Madhya Pradesh compared to normal inventories in the last few years.April-June is the main cracker production period in factories, said firecracker dealers.Environmentalists have raised concerns over deteriorating air quality in many places in the country and have stated that any increase in pollution due to smoke from firecrackers may push the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Indore into the poor category.AQI between 0-50 indicates good air quality, and levels above 100 mean poor air quality not suitable for breathing. Firecrackers contain metal salts and metal oxides, including sulphur, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, and chromium, which react to produce colours in the air upon burning and can contaminate air quality.We also published the following articles recently756 kg firecrackers seizedTwo individuals have been arrested by Delhi Police for possessing 756 kg of firecrackers, according to officials.11,000kg firecrackers seized ahead of DiwaliAhead of Diwali, police in Delhi seized over 11,000kg of firecrackers, with the largest haul of 2,702kg in the North district. The state government had banned the sale, storage, and manufacture of fireworks due to their negative impact on air quality. Police in North Delhi worked with market associations and deployed plainclothes officers to identify illegal sellers. In total, 96 cases were registered and 95 people were arrested for the seizure of firecrackers. Special teams and foot patrolling have been deployed to enforce the ban.Firecrackers at Eden kill Voice of ReasonA horse belonging to Kolkata Mounted Police, named Voice of Reason, died of a heart attack after being spooked by fireworks. The horse was on duty near the Eden Gardens Club House when the fireworks were set off after the India-South Africa World Cup match. Witnesses said the horse panicked and charged towards the parking lot, damaging several vehicles. Efforts were made to control the horse, but it collapsed and died soon after being walked back to the stable. The fireworks were handled by an agency appointed by the cricket body, with permission granted to use the area outside the stadium due to the presence of VIPs.

Stay updated with all the Latest Indore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.