Don't burst crackers, light diyas: Delhi Environment Minister urges people

The 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 the festival of Diwali reported news agency ANIThe environment minister urged the people to instead celebrate the festival in a grand manner by lighting earthen lamps diyas reported ANII 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 dont burst crackers and make it difficult for people to breathe because the festival is to spread happiness Rai told ANIThe Air Quality Index AQI was recorded in the poor category in the national capital on Sunday morning as per the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB reported ANIThere was a slight improvement in Delhis air quality on Saturday following the rainfall on FridayThe Delhi government on Sunday issued an advisory ahead of Diwali amid concerns over poor air quality in the national capital reported ANIThe advisory mentions general dos and donts for the festival season and health concernsAccording 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 constructiondemolition sitesThe use of firecrackers is also discouraged Burning wood leaves crop residues and waste is not advised reported ANIOfficials are checking vehicles entering the national capital due to the pollutionrelated GRAP 4 regulations reported ANIOn Friday the Delhi government on Friday announced the Diya Jalao Patakhe nahi campaign in the city amid concerns about rising pollution again after the Diwali festival reported ANIThe Delhi Government however deferred the implementation of the OddEven traffic rationing scheme after the Supreme Court observed that the scheme wasnt leading to a significant dip in pollution levelsMeanwhile Delhi recorded its best air quality on Diwali day in eight years on Sunday though pollution levels may rise due to burning of firecrackers and low night temperaturesDelhiites experienced clear skies and abundant sunshine and the citys 24hour average Air Quality Index AQI stood at 218 at 4 pm the best in at least three weeksDelhi recorded an AQI of 312 on Diwali last year 382 in 2021 414 in 2020 337 in 2019 281 in 2018 319 in 2017 and 431 in 2016 according to Central Pollution Control Board dataAn AQI between zero and 50 is considered good 51 and 100 satisfactory 101 and 200 moderate 201 and 300 poor 301 and 400 very poor 401 and 450 severe and above 450 severe plusWith inputs from ANI and PTI