Ex-Delhi CM Kejriwal Urges Pollution-Free Diwali: No Firecrackers, Prioritise Health Over Tradition

As Diwali approaches, Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a strong appeal to the citizens of Delhi to avoid bursting firecrackers this festive season, emphasizing that the move is driven by concerns for public health and not religious sentiments. At a press conference on Wednesday, Kejriwal reiterated that Diwali is traditionally a festival of light, and fireworks, which lead to increased pollution levels and pose significant health risks, especially for children and vulnerable populations.

Kejriwal explained that the ongoing ban on firecrackers in Delhi is part of a broader effort to combat the city's deteriorating air quality, which tends to worsen during the winter months. He stressed that the ban should not be viewed through the lens of religion. "Diwali is about celebrating light, not smoke," he said, addressing the misconception that the ban is anti-Hindu or targets religious traditions.

Health Over Tradition

Kejriwal took the opportunity to highlight the health implications of fireworks, saying, "The pollution caused by fireworks has lasting negative effects, especially on our children. It's not just about Hindus or Muslims; everyone's health is at stake. Every breath of polluted air affects our lungs, and it's our children who suffer the most from it."

He cited rulings from both the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court, which have supported the ban on firecrackers in light of the city's severe pollution problem. "Both the Supreme Court and the high court have clearly said that, given the high levels of pollution, we should refrain from bursting firecrackers. This festival is a celebration of lights, not firecrackers. By not bursting crackers, we are not doing anyone a favour; we are protecting our own families," Kejriwal explained.

He appealed to residents to understand the gravity of the pollution crisis and join hands in reducing it by sticking to more environmentally friendly ways of celebrating the festival. "Whatever pollution happens, it affects our children, our families. So, this is not a question of Hindu or Muslim. Everyone's life is important," he stressed.

Focus on Diyas and Lights

Reinforcing his message, Kejriwal urged people to light diyas and electric lights, embracing the true spirit of Diwali, which is about illuminating homes and hearts, rather than adding to the toxic air that blankets the city each year. He called on residents to be responsible and mindful of the pollution levels and to prioritize the health and well-being of their families over tradition.

MCD Workers Receive Timely Salaries and Diwali Bonuses

In a separate but related announcement, Kejriwal congratulated the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) for ensuring that sanitation workers received their salaries and Diwali bonuses well ahead of the festival. According to Kejriwal, this is the first time in 18 years that MCD workers have received their wages before the end of the month.

"Many congratulations to all the sanitation workers of the Delhi Municipal Corporation. For the first time in nearly two decades, they are receiving their salaries before the end of the month, which is an important change. Earlier, their wages used to be delayed by 7-8 months, but now, they are being paid ahead of time," Kejriwal stated.

He added that the prompt payment of wages and bonuses would allow the workers to celebrate Diwali with their families without financial worries. "This time, on the occasion of Diwali, MCD has ensured that all sanitation workers receive their salaries and bonuses before the end of October so that they can celebrate Diwali happily with their loved ones," Kejriwal said.

The Delhi Chief Minister took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to extend his Diwali wishes to all the sanitation workers, acknowledging their hard work and contribution to keeping the city clean. "I wish all the sanitation workers and their families a very Happy Diwali," he wrote.

A Cleaner, Brighter Diwali

Kejriwal's call for a pollution-free Diwali comes as Delhi continues to grapple with hazardous levels of air pollution, which typically spike during the festival season. The combination of firecrackers, crop burning in neighbouring states, and winter smog has led to serious health concerns in the past, with respiratory diseases and hospitalizations surging during this period.

In the past, Delhi's air quality has dipped to "severe" levels in the days following Diwali, leading to the closure of schools and advisories for people to stay indoors. With the ban on firecrackers in place, the government hopes to mitigate the effects of pollution and protect public health.

Kejriwal's message emphasizes that celebrating Diwali does not require firecrackers and that the festival's true meaning can be honoured by lighting diyas, exchanging sweets, and spending time with family. His appeal for a safer, cleaner celebration reflects the increasing awareness of environmental issues and the need for collective action to address the city's chronic pollution crisis.

As Diwali approaches, all eyes are on how effectively the firecracker ban will be enforced and whether Delhiites will heed Kejriwal's call to celebrate a cleaner, brighter Diwali.