Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai Urges Action Against Firecracker Ban Violations
Delhi’s environment minister, Gopal Rai, has written to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, calling for strict measures against the illegal sale of firecrackers in the city. Despite a ban, firecrackers are reportedly being sold in various markets, entering Delhi from neighboring states Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The ban, aimed at reducing pollution, prohibits the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers until January 1.
Minister Rai expressed concern over the lack of enforcement by Delhi Police, as vendors continue to ignore the ban. He warned that the use of firecrackers during Diwali could worsen air pollution and harm residents’ health. Currently, Delhi’s air quality is in the ‘Very Poor’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 328, as reported by SAFAR.
SAFAR predicts that despite the ban, air quality will remain poor due to firecracker emissions and stubble burning. Earlier, LG Saxena suggested using Civil Defence Volunteers to aid in pollution control, highlighting the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s (DPCC) lack of enforcement resources.
Doubts Revealed
Gopal Rai -: Gopal Rai is the Environment Minister of Delhi, which means he is responsible for taking care of the environment in the city. He works to make sure the air, water, and land are clean and safe for people to live in.
Lieutenant Governor -: The Lieutenant Governor is a special person who helps manage the city of Delhi. He works with the government to make sure everything runs smoothly and people follow the rules.
Firecracker Ban -: A firecracker ban means that people are not allowed to use or sell firecrackers. This is done to reduce pollution and keep the air clean, especially during festivals like Diwali.
Haryana and Uttar Pradesh -: Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are states in India that are close to Delhi. Sometimes, things like firecrackers can come from these states into Delhi, even if they are banned.
Pollution -: Pollution is when the air, water, or land becomes dirty and harmful to people and animals. In Delhi, pollution is a big problem, especially during Diwali when firecrackers are used.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number that tells us how clean or dirty the air is. A higher number means the air is more polluted and not safe to breathe.
Civil Defence Volunteers -: Civil Defence Volunteers are people who help the government in emergencies or special situations. They can help control pollution by making sure people follow the rules, like the firecracker ban.