Delhi Minister Gopal Rai launches 'Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi' campaign

New Delhi [India], October 28 : Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai launched the 'Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi' campaign on Monday, urging the public to avoid firecrackers to keep pollution in check.
Rai marked the campaign's launch by lighting diyas at the Babarpur Bus Terminal, stating, "Collective efforts from the public are essential to controlling pollution."
He encouraged Delhi residents to celebrate Diwali with diyas, explaining that the campaign's twofold aim is to discourage firecrackers and promote the use of diyas.
Addressing attendees at the launch, Rai said, "Diwali sees a surge in pollution due to firecracker use, making Delhi's air dangerously polluted--particularly harmful for children and the elderly. The Delhi Government has initiated the 'Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi' campaign at Babarpur Bus Terminal to raise awareness about the cracker ban."
"We are kicking off this campaign by lighting diyas, and it will continue throughout Diwali. Public participation is critical in managing pollution," he added.
Rai noted the worsening air quality in Delhi, with parts of the capital blanketed in smog as the AQI remained in the 'Very Poor' category. He reiterated the ban on firecrackers and appealed to neighbouring states to enforce similar measures.
"With rising pollution levels during Diwali, the government has implemented a blanket ban on the manufacture, storage, sale (including online delivery), and use of firecrackers. NCR states should adopt the same approach as Delhi," Rai emphasised.
He further highlighted the 'Winter Action Plan', launched on September 25, aimed at curbing pollution. Delhi's AQI stood at 328 today, as reported by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).
"To tackle winter pollution, the government launched the Winter Action Plan on September 25, and departments are actively implementing it."
The Minister added, "We have set up a Green War Room for monitoring. The Delhi government, with public cooperation, has made strides in reducing pollution through initiatives like the anti-dust campaign, bio-decomposer spraying, tree plantation drives, the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign, and water sprinkling with mobile anti-smog guns."
Rai also appealed to Delhi's residents to celebrate a firecracker-free Diwali to protect citizens' health and well-being.
Minister Rai said, "Today marks the start of the 'Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi' campaign to raise public awareness and prevent pollution from firecrackers in Delhi. Ensuring citizens' safety and well-being is crucial while celebrating Diwali. Let's light diyas to protect Delhi from pollution."
"I appeal to the people and children of Delhi to choose diyas over crackers. Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Paryavaran Mitras are also part of this campaign. Everyone must contribute to reducing pollution. We must recognise our collective responsibility for environmental safety," concluded the Environment Minister.