Firecrackers will be banned in Delhi in view of the rising coronavirus cases in the capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Twitter.

Kejwiral on Thursday held a review meeting to discuss the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the national capital. After the meeting, he ordered a ban on firecrackers amid the ongoing festive season and ramping up of the medical infrastructure.

Air pollution, which can aggravate the health condition of COVID-19 patients, has been on the rise in Delhi due to festivals and stubble burning in neighbouring states.

In a tweet, Kejriwal said the Covid-19 cases in Delhi have increased due to the festival season and pollution. The review meet was attended by the chief secretary and all district magistrates.

“Del HC has stayed our order to increase ICU beds in pvt hospitals. Filed appeal in SC yesterday. We hope SC will lift the stay keeping in view the critical situation,” the chief minister said in the tweet.

West Bengal too, earlier today, banned the burning of firecrackers in the state on Diwali and Kali Puja. Delhi and Bengal join Sikkim, Rajasthan and Odisha who also banned firecrackers to combat rising coronavirus cases.