51 thousand diyas lit during 'Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ campaign at CP

Diwali brings light and hopes to the community. However, the severe AQI and air pollution in the Delhi NCR are a perennial concern after Diwali.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai inaugurated the 'Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ campaign on October 21, 2022. 51 thousand diyas were lit in Connaught Place’s Central Park to mark the beginning of this campaign. It was organised by the Environment Department to spread public awareness about the ban on crackers.

During the event, the environment minister appealed to the people of Delhi to celebrate Diwali with diyas instead of crackers. He mentioned that the objectives of the campaign are to stop people from bursting firecrackers and encourage them to celebrate Diwali with diyas.

Gopal Rai said, “There is a rise in pollution during Diwali due to the bursting of firecrackers. The air of Delhi becomes very polluted and it is very lethal for children and the elderly. Today, we are marking the beginning of this campaign by lighting 51 thousand diyas. We will run this awareness campaign throughout Diwali. Collective efforts from the public are pivotal in keeping pollution in check."

He stated that keeping this in mind, the government has put a blanket ban on the manufacture, storage, sale (including delivery through online marketing platforms) and bursting of firecrackers. We have formed 408 teams to enforce the ban. These 408 teams include 210 teams of the Delhi Police, 165 teams of the Revenue Department and 33 teams of DPCC. These teams are continuously surveilling all over Delhi.”

He added that the government is implementing its 15-point Winter Action Plan by coordinating with all the concerned departments to control the rise in pollution in Delhi during the winter season. There should be a complete ban on crackers in NCR states just Delhi because the smoke released by the bursting of crackers in other parts of NCR will dampen the air of Delhi as well.

Concluding, he said that the day marks the beginning of ‘Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ campaign to raise awareness among people. It is pertinent that we ensure the safety and well-being of citizens while celebrating the festival. Appealing to the people, he said, "We will ensure that there is no pollution due to the burning of crackers anywhere in Delhi. I am appealing to the people and children of Delhi to light diyas, not crackers. Residents Welfare Association (RWA), Paryavaran Mitras and Eco Club are also a part of this campaign. Every individual has to make their share of contribution to reducing pollution. We have to understand that we are collectively responsible for the safety of the environment.”