In a bid to implement the ban on sale and bursting of firecrackers ahead of Diwali, the Delhi Police has deployed pickets, formed flying squads and are making announcements for the same.

The National Green Tribunal earlier this week ordered a total ban on sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in the NCR from November 9 midnight to November 30 midnight.

The Delhi Police is also making sure that people follow Covid-19 guidelines.

Additional PRO (Delhi Police) Anil Mittal said that their focus has been to ensure that nobody uses or sells crackers, and to maintain peace and harmony during the festival. Special teams and flying squads have been formed at the police station and district levels respectively to ensure regular checking.

"Pickets have been placed at markets and places with high footfall to sensitise the public about wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Public Address systems and banners are also being used. 'Machaans' have been set up at vantage points to check movements of suspicious and mischievous persons," he said.

He added that market welfare associations have been assisting to ensure safe movement of shoppers and traffic. At strategic locations in marketplaces, the police have installed door-framed metal detectors.

PCR, Prakhar, Emergency Response Vehicle and Quick Reaction Team vans will be working in tandem for successful handling of the situation.

"Force has been internally mobilised to enhance police visibility. At the same time, police staff deployed on duty in market places have been advised to take full precautions while regulating the crowd. Senior officers are closely monitoring the ground arrangements," Mittal said.

The Delhi Police have also taken to social media to warn the public about the NGT’s order.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) R P Meena said that they are ensuring that there is no congestion in public places, especially market areas, and Covid-19 norms are followed. Any defiance will be strictly dealt with, he said.

“We have deployed 13 companies -- 10 from our districts and three from outside,” DCP (Central) Sanjay Bhatia said.

"Shopkeepers in market places have been asked to follow COVID-19 norms. We have told them not to allow too many people inside their shops and ensure the customers maintain social distancing and wear masks. We are also issuing challans to people for not following the social distancing norm," he said.