New Delhi , 31st October 2024: On Diwali, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged residents to celebrate the festival responsibly, emphasizing the importance of the evening. He requested that people refrain from using firecrackers due to escalating pollution levels, pointing out that the city’s air quality index (AQI) has risen. He reassured that any incidents involving firecrackers at night would be dealt with promptly.
The Delhi government has already implemented a total ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers. Rai stated, “In certain areas, the AQI has increased, but tonight holds great significance. If we can unite and celebrate Diwali with diyas and sweets, we can avoid causing harm to children and elders in our homes by igniting crackers. If all of Delhi prioritizes the well-being of our children and elders, we can save the city from the post-Diwali smoke that occurs every year. We are aware of the incidents involving firecrackers, and the police are actively addressing them. Any such occurrences at night will also be curtailed. While police enforcement is important, it is even more crucial for us to fulfil our duty to humanity,” he said.
On Wednesday, Rai announced the establishment of 377 teams tasked with enforcing the firecracker ban throughout the national capital. He mentioned that authorities are working alongside resident welfare associations, market groups, and social organizations to raise awareness.
Police teams have also been assigned to ensure adherence to the firecracker ban. An officer stated, “Legal actions will be taken against anyone found using firecrackers, which may include charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for breaching government directives.”
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal echoed these sentiments on Wednesday, urging residents to avoid firecrackers and instead light diyas during Diwali, reinforcing that the festival symbolizes light, not fireworks. He stated at a press conference, “Both the Supreme Court and High Court advise against using firecrackers in light of pollution concerns; we should light diyas instead. This is the festival of lights, not of explosives. We are not doing anyone a favour. The pollution affects our children, and this issue transcends religion; every life is important.”
On Diwali morning, Delhi’s air quality was reported as “very poor,” with an AQI of 330 recorded at 9 am, and conditions are expected to deteriorate further as celebrations continue. Residents woke up to a smog-laden sky, particularly in Anand Vihar, where the AQI fell into the “severe” category.
AQI levels are categorized as follows: 0-50 is ‘good,’ 51-100 is ‘satisfactory,’ 101-200 is ‘moderate,’ 201-300 is ‘poor,’ 301-400 is ‘very poor,’ 401-450 is ‘severe,’ and above 450 is ‘severe plus.’
During winter, adverse weather, vehicle emissions, stubble burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources contribute to hazardous air quality levels in the Delhi-NCR region. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee notes that pollution peaks between November 1 and 15, coinciding with an uptick in stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.