Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday appealed to people not to burst firecrackers on Diwali eve, as the night would be crucial not to aggravate pollution levels.
This is because the Air Quality Index in Delhi has also shown a rise and the government is keeping a close eye on firecracker usage, Rai said.
Banning firecrackers from all departments comprehensively, it is a three-pronged attack by the Government of Delhi on manufacture, sales, and use of firecrackers. Rai said, *”In some places, the AQI has increased but tonight is very important.”. If we try to come together and do one thing that we will celebrate Diwali only with diyas, share sweets, and not have problems with children and old people in our homes through crackers. He said, “We will address those firecracker violations too, but the collective duty remains to protect public health.
Rai said that to enforce the ban, 377 teams are being sent to work with local organizations to spread awareness. The police is posted in every nook and corner of the city while the violators would face legal action under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), PTI reported.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday also joined the appeal to have a pollution-free Diwali. He requested citizens to light diyas instead of firecrackers. Kejriwal said, “Even the Supreme Court and High Court say that in view of the pollution, we should not burst crackers; we should light diyas. This is the festival of lights and not fireworks.
The city’s Air Quality Index Thursday morning classified Delhi as “very poor,” while Anand Vihar tumbled into the “severe” category. Local emission, firecracker pollution, and regional stubble burning are forecasted to impact the air quality, according to a trend that rises between early to mid-November due to crop burning in neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.
