New Delhi, Oct 3 (IANS): As the festive season approaches, the Indian government assured people that it will continue to guard against illegal imports of firecrackers that have shot up this year in the run up to Diwali.

"During 2015-16 (August to September) Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) & the Customs have seized 285 tonnes of illegal firecrackers. During whole of 2014-15, 101 million tonne was seized. Action initiated in consultation with Controller of Explosive for destruction of confiscated," tweeted Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Hindu festival of lights Diwali, which falls on November 11 this year, is celebrated across India by bursting of lot of fire crackers.

In September, Sitharaman said that the central government did not give go ahead for import of Chinese crackers, and asked all the state governments to take actions against illegal import of such items.

Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is the fireworks hub of India, employing more than two lakh people both directly and indirectly.