New Delhi: In anticipation of Diwali, Delhi Police is taking robust measures to enforce the ban on bursting firecrackers, with a significant seizure of 3500 kg of firecrackers in North Delhi.
DCP Manoj Kumar Meena of North Delhi revealed, “Till now we have caught around 3500 kg of firecrackers and have taken action by registering FIRs. Surveillance is being done through drones near the Yamuna Khadar area to ensure that agricultural waste is not being burnt.” Ground-based patrolling is also underway, resulting in the registration of 10 cases.
In an effort to combat winter pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal Government has imposed a complete ban on firecrackers, emphasizing the need to curtail pollution during the winter months. Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated, “Pollution rises significantly during winters in Delhi; instructions are given to impose a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, sale of firecrackers, and bursting of firecrackers.”
To further discourage firecracker use, the Delhi government introduced the ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi’ campaign. Gopal Rai urged people to refrain from bursting firecrackers, emphasizing the positive impact of lighting lamps and distributing sweets during Diwali.
Addressing concerns over pollution, Rai noted, “Due to the rain and wind, pollution has reduced significantly. People of nearby cities are requested to light lamps and distribute sweets during Diwali, but do not burst firecrackers. We want the pollution level to remain good even on the next day of Diwali.”
In response to the Supreme Court’s directive, the Delhi government has temporarily postponed the proposed implementation of the odd-even car-rationing scheme in the city. The court left the decision to the state government, refraining from making a definitive ruling on the matter.
