DHAKA: Officials in China’s capital, Beijing, have called on residents to refrain from setting off fireworks for the Lunar New Year, amid smog concerns.

The call comes after the entire province of Henan banned the practice.

Authorities have been under pressure to stop the heavy pollution blanketing the capital and other parts of China, reports the BBC.

The Chinese tradition of setting off fireworks and firecrackers to ring in the new year is considered auspicious and an essential part of celebrations.

The Spring Festival, as it is also known, starts on Saturday and is China’s biggest holiday period.

It pointed out that fireworks and firecrackers not only caused pollution, but could also lead to fires and accidents.

The government has approved only 511 fireworks stalls this year, compared to 719 last year, and fireworks sales have been poor, according to Chinese media outlets.

BDST: 1656 HRS, JAN 27, 2017
LM/BD