Gopal Rai Urges Delhiites To Celebrate Diwali With Diyas, Sweets Amid Rising Pollution: 'Tonight Is Important'

On Diwali, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai appealed to residents to celebrate responsibly, emphasising that "tonight is very important."

He urged people to refrain from bursting firecrackers amidst rising pollution concerns, cautioning that the city's air quality index (AQI) has worsened.

Photo Credit: PTI

Rai stressed that any incidents of firecracker use during the night would be addressed.

The Delhi government has previously enforced a blanket ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers.

"In some places, the AQI has increased, but tonight is very important. If we all make an effort together to remember to celebrate Diwali with diyas and sweets, and avoid causing harm to the children and elders in our households by burning crackers, we could prevent the annual post-Diwali smoke that engulfs Delhi," said Rai.

"Incidents of firecracker use are being noted, and the police are addressing these cases on the ground. Firecracker use at night will also be halted... I believe it is more important than police enforcement that we all fulfil our duty to humanity," he told ANI on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Gopal Rai announced the deployment of 377 teams to enforce the firecracker ban across Delhi. Authorities are also working closely with resident welfare associations, market groups, and social organisations to spread awareness.

Police have been stationed throughout the city to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban.

"Legal action will be taken against those found bursting crackers. Offenders may be charged under the relevant sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) for contravening government orders," an officer told PTI.

On Wednesday, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal also encouraged residents to refrain from bursting firecrackers, urging them instead to light diyas for Diwali, as the festival symbolises light, not fireworks.

Kejriwal, addressing a press conference, stated, "Even the Supreme Court and High Court advise against crackers due to pollution. This is the festival of lights, not fireworks. We're not doing anyone a favour; any pollution that occurs will impact our children. This isn't about Hindu or Muslim-everyone's life matters."

AQI in Anand Vihar 'severe'

Delhi's air quality remained "very poor" on Thursday morning, Diwali day, with an AQI of 330 at 9 am. Conditions are expected to deteriorate further as celebrations progress.

Residents awoke to thick smog, particularly in Anand Vihar, where the AQI reached the "severe" category.

The AQI ranges are: 0-50 'good,' 51-100 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' 301-400 'very poor,' 401-450 'severe,' and above 450 'severe plus.'

Adverse weather, vehicle emissions, stubble burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources contribute to Delhi-NCR's hazardous winter air quality. According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, pollution reaches its peak from 1 to 15 November, coinciding with an increase in stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.