NEW DELHI: In the wake of the rising air pollution and Covid-19 cases, Delhi government on Thursday imposed a
complete ban on the sale, purchase and bursting of fireworks, including
green crackers, ahead of
Diwali. The ban will remain in place from November 7 to 30, government sources said.
The decision was taken in a review meeting chaired by chief minister
Arvind Kejriwal on the preparedness of dealing with Covid-19 cases at a time when both pollution and the novel coronavirus are adversely impacting the lives of Delhiites.
Times View
The banning of firecrackers is a bold and welcome move by Delhi government. But no such ban succeeds without proper implementation. The government would need hundreds of flying squads to stop the burning of crackers across the megapolis. Culprits must face heavy fines. As TOI has consistently pointed out, common people, too, must learn to understand the perils of their own act and cooperate with the government.
Kejriwal appealed to residents to celebrate Diwali this year by performing Laxmi Puja inside their homes. He added that he himself would be performing the puja along with cabinet ministers on November 14 at 7.39pm, which would be live-streamed by TV channels. "There are adverse effects of both coronavirus and pollution this year. Delhi government, along with the people of the city, is making all efforts to deal with the issue. The situation is deteriorating due to pollution," he said.
"Pollution is at its peak right now and we are seeing how Delhi is covered in smog. Last year, we had vowed to not burn crackers on Diwali. We had celebrated Diwali together at Connaught Place through a laser show. We will celebrate Diwali together this year, too, without bursting crackers. If we burn crackers, we will be playing with the health of our children and family. We are arranging for something different for Diwali this year," said Kejriwal.
The CM added, "I believe that when people will perform puja in their homes at the same time, celebrating the return of Lord Rama after 14 years of vanvas and the arrival of goddess Laxmi, it will generate a very positive atmosphere and good vibes. I believe it will be good for the people of Delhi and for each family."
He also hoped that this was the last year when north India would suffer due to pollution because Delhi had provided a sustainable alternative to stubble burning with the newly-developed bio-decomposer solution. "For the past many years, smoke from stubble burning has been causing pollution in Delhi. But no state government has provided any effective solution to the problem," added Kejriwal.
"I spoke to many farmers in the neighbouring states. They say they do not want to burn stubble because it kills the good bacteria in the fields, makes the soil infertile and causes a lot of pollution. But they do not have any other option because they have not been provided any alternative to it," said the CM.
Mentioning that Delhi government had taken a crucial step in association with Indian Agricultural Research Institute at Pusa to provide an alternative to stubble burning, Kejriwal said, "No government should be able to make any excuse to not furnish an alternative to stubble burning as Delhi has provided the same to them."