Delhi’s Diwali: Firecracker Ban and ‘Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ Campaign by Gopal Rai
As Diwali approaches, the Delhi government is taking strong measures to reduce pollution. A complete ban on firecrackers has been enforced, with 79 cases of illegal sale and storage registered and 19,005 kg of firecrackers seized. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai’s office confirmed these actions.
To ensure the ban’s success, 77 teams from the Revenue Department and 300 teams from Delhi Police are active across the city. Minister Gopal Rai held a high-level meeting to review the enforcement and instructed the police to engage with local communities to raise awareness.
On Monday, Gopal Rai launched the ‘Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ campaign, encouraging people to use diyas instead of firecrackers. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation in reducing pollution and celebrated the campaign’s start by lighting diyas at Babarpur Bus Terminal.
Despite these efforts, a thin layer of smog covered Delhi, with air quality in the ‘very poor’ category. The Central Pollution Control Board reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 300 in several areas, including Anand Vihar and Aya Nagar, while Chandni Chowk had a ‘moderate’ AQI of 191.
Doubts Revealed
Diwali -: Diwali is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India, known as the Festival of Lights. People light lamps and candles, decorate their homes, and enjoy sweets and fireworks.
Firecracker Ban -: A firecracker ban means that the government has prohibited the use of firecrackers. This is done to reduce pollution and protect the environment and people’s health.
Gopal Rai -: Gopal Rai is a politician and the Environment Minister of Delhi. He is responsible for managing environmental issues in the city, like pollution control.
‘Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ Campaign -: This campaign encourages people to light traditional oil lamps called diyas instead of using firecrackers during Diwali. It aims to reduce pollution and promote a cleaner celebration.
Pollution -: Pollution refers to harmful substances in the air, water, or soil that can affect health and the environment. In Delhi, air pollution is a big problem, especially during Diwali.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to show how clean or polluted the air is. A higher AQI means more pollution, which can be harmful to health.
