Delhi Government Cracks Down on Diwali Firecrackers Amid Pollution Concerns

Amid escalating air pollution in Delhi, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urges residents to avoid firecrackers this Diwali, highlighting the festival's essence as one of light. Measures are enforced to curb pollution, including a crackdown on firecracker sales, as air quality plummets across the city.

Amid worsening air quality in Delhi, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal called on residents to celebrate Diwali with diyas instead of firecrackers. "Diwali is a festival of lights, not pollution," he stated, referencing court directives against crackers. Kejriwal emphasized the health impact on children, transcending religious divides.

The plea comes as Delhi grapples with rising pollution levels. In response, Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged stringent enforcement of the city's firecracker ban, highlighting non-compliance and unauthorized sales at Delhi's borders. Firecracker-related activities are prohibited until January 1, aiming to mitigate air quality deterioration.

Delhi's air quality remained dire, with smog blanketing the city and AQI levels soaring above 300, denoting very poor conditions. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board pinpointed areas like Anand Vihar and Aya Nagar as pollution hotspots. Meanwhile, Delhi BJP leaders attributed pollution partly to stubble burning incidents in Punjab, demanding accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

(With inputs from agencies.)