Delhi Bans Firecrackers to Fight Winter Pollution
Announcement by Environment Minister Gopal Rai
The Delhi government has announced a complete ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the national capital to address air pollution during winter. This ban will remain in place until January 1, 2025.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated, “In a bid to control the rise in pollution levels in Delhi during the winter season, the Kejriwal government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacturing, storing, sale, and usage of firecrackers. Online sale and delivery of firecrackers will also remain prohibited. The prohibitions will remain in effect until January 1, 2025.”
Use of Drones for Air Quality Monitoring
On Thursday, Gopal Rai announced that the Environment Department will use drones to monitor air quality at pollution hotspots as part of a 21-point plan to curb air pollution during the winter session. “In a first in Delhi, the Environment Department will use drones for real-time air quality monitoring at pollution hotspots as a part of the 21-point Winter Action Plan to curb air pollution in cold months,” Rai said.
Government’s Efforts and Collaboration
Environment Minister Gopal Rai shared information about the decisions taken in a meeting through a press conference. He mentioned that all departments have been directed to submit detailed action plans and suggestions under the Winter Action Plan to the Environment Department by September 12.
Gopal Rai emphasized that the government has intensified its preparations to deal with the problem of pollution in the winter season. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the government has continuously taken strict steps to reduce air pollution in Delhi, resulting in a reduction of about 30 percent in pollution over the last nine years.
The Delhi Minister also wrote to the state unit presidents of Congress and BJP on September 3, seeking positive suggestions for incorporation into the Winter Action Plan aimed at reducing pollution in Delhi.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi -: Delhi is the capital city of India. It is a very big city with many people living in it.
Firecrackers -: Firecrackers are small explosive devices used for celebrations, especially during festivals like Diwali. They make loud noises and bright lights.
Pollution -: Pollution is when harmful substances are added to the environment, making it dirty and unsafe. In this case, it refers to the air being dirty and unhealthy to breathe.
Winter -: Winter is the coldest season of the year. In India, it usually lasts from November to February.
Environment Minister -: The Environment Minister is a government official responsible for protecting the environment and making rules to keep it clean and safe.
Gopal Rai -: Gopal Rai is the name of the person who is currently the Environment Minister of Delhi.
Drones -: Drones are small flying machines that can be controlled remotely. They are used for many purposes, like taking pictures or monitoring areas from the sky.
Air quality -: Air quality refers to how clean or dirty the air is. Good air quality means the air is clean and safe to breathe, while bad air quality means it is polluted and harmful.
Pollution hotspots -: Pollution hotspots are areas where the pollution levels are very high. These places need special attention to reduce pollution.
Winter Action Plan -: The Winter Action Plan is a set of steps and measures taken by the government to reduce pollution during the winter season.
Departments -: Departments are different parts of the government that handle specific tasks, like health, education, or environment.
Political parties -: Political parties are groups of people who have similar ideas about how the government should be run. They work together to win elections and make decisions for the country.
