• Source:JND
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Deepavali 2023: As the entire nation celebrates Diwali today, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday appealed to the people of Delhi and its adjacent areas to not burst firecrackers and make it difficult for people to breathe during Diwali. He urged the people to instead celebrate the festival in a grand manner by lighting earthen lamps, or diyas. 

"I appeal to people in Delhi and nearby areas of Delhi. Diwali is a festival of diyas. Celebrate Diwali in a grand manner by lighting diyas but don't burst crackers and make it difficult for people to breathe because the festival is to spread happiness," Rai told ANI.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded in the "poor" category on Sunday morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), reports news agency ANI. Delhi witnessed a slight improvement in the air quality on Saturday following the rainfall on Friday. 

The Delhi government on Sunday issued an advisory ahead of Diwali amid concerns over 'poor' air quality in the national capital. It mentions general  'dos and don'ts' for the festival season and health concerns.

According to the advisory, citizens are recommended to avoid going to places with high air pollution levels, such as slow and heavy traffic roads, areas near polluting industries, and construction-demolition sites. The advisory also discourages the use of firecrackers, and burining wood, leaves, crop residues, and waste is not advised.

The officials are keeping an eye on the vehicles entering the national capital due to the pollution-related GRAP 4 regulations. The Delhi government announced the  'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi' campaign on Friday in the city amid concerns about rising pollution again after the Diwali festival. The Delhi government, however, deferred the implementation of the Odd-Even traffic rationing scheme after the Supreme Court observed that the scheme wasn't leading to a significant dip in pollution levels.

(With input from agencies)