Gopal Rai, the environment minister for Delhi, urged citizens to observe Diwali in a responsible manner, stating that “tonight is very important.” He warned that the city’s air quality index (AQI) has risen and emphasised that incidences of nighttime firecracker use would be dealt with, urging everyone to refrain from setting off firecrackers in light of growing pollution concerns.
The Delhi government has already outlawed the production, usage, sale, and storage of firecrackers. As per ANI, Gopal Rai stated, “In some places, the AQI has increased but tonight is very important. If we all try to come together and keep one thing in mind that we have to celebrate Diwali with diyas and distribute sweets and not create problems for children and elders in our homes by burning crackers.”
“If the whole of Delhi takes care of the lives of our children and elders, then I think that we can save Delhi from the smoke that happens every year after Diwali…Such incidents (of bursting firecrackers) are coming to notice and the police are working on them on the ground. Such incidents happening at night will also be stopped…I believe it is more important than police enforcement that we all fulfil our duty to humanity,” he added.
Gopal Rai declared on Wednesday that 377 squads would be established to enforce the national capital’s firework ban. In order to increase awareness, he said, authorities are working with social organisations, market associations, and resident welfare associations. To make sure that the firecracker prohibition is followed, police teams have also been sent out.
Arvind Kejriwal, the former chief minister of Delhi and the national convener of the AAP, also advised people on Wednesday to burn diyas during Diwali instead of exploding firecrackers, stating that the holiday represents lights rather than firecrackers. Speaking during a press conference, Kejriwal stated, “Even the Supreme Court and High Court say that we should light diyas instead of crackers because of the pollution.”
“This is not a fireworks festival, but a festival of lights. It’s not as though we’re helping anyone. There is no Hindu-Muslim distinction here since our children will suffer from any pollution that occurs. Everybody’s life matters,” he concludes.