Stories about the dip in the air quality in Delhi NCR are already doing rounds on various media platforms. To prevent the air quality from worsening further, the Delhi government has permitted the use of only ‘eco-friendly’ green crackers this Diwali. The authorities can also impose a fine of up to ₹1 lakh on all those who violate the order and burn environment-polluting crackers. Also, the government has published a list of 824 open spaces where the city people can burn green crackers between 8 PM and 10 PM on Diwali. The government is also starting an anti-cracker campaign from November 3, forming 11 teams of Delhi Pollution Control Committee ( DPCC). Neighbouring state Rajasthan has banned the sale of firecrackers this Diwali to combat COVID-19 pandemic.
Only Eco-Friendly Green Crackers Allowed In Delhi This Diwali
In an effort to make Diwali pollution-free, the government of Delhi will allow the sale and use of only green crackers. According to a DNA India report, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai has said that only green firecrackers can be made, sold and used this Diwali, complying with the Supreme Court’s 2018 order. The government is also starting an anti-cracker campaign on November 3. The DPCC and 11 special squads of cops will investigate the cracker manufacturing units to ensure that no old stocks are left. The authorities can also impose a fine of up to ₹1 lakh on the violators. The government will launch a green app to promote green crackers and reduce air pollution. Also, here’s a throwback to the first-ever Diwali show in Delhi that witnessed green crackers instead of firecrackers.
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824 Open Spaces Allotted For Burning Green Crackers During Diwali
The Delhi government has put out a list of 824 open spaces where the city people can burn green crackers this Diwali from 8 PM to 10 PM. Diwali falls on November 14 this year. According to a Hindustan Times report, Gopal Rai has stated, “I appeal to people to not burn any firecrackers at all this year. Because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, health hazards due to air pollution could turn more dangerous. If anyone really wants to burn firecrackers, then please use only green crackers.” The 824 open spaces announced in the Delhi government’s website include vacant spots, school playgrounds, open grounds, etc. Some of the noteworthy locations include Ramleela ground in Laxmibai Nagar, CBD ground opposite Hotel Leela, Ajmal Khan Park in Karol Bagh, Gandhi Park in Saket and Buddha Park in Mayur Vihar, among others.
Pollution Peak During Diwali Can Be Avoided In Delhi This Year, As Per Experts
The air pollution level in Delhi has deteriorated over the last two weeks of October. However, according to experts, the pollution peak during Diwali can be avoided this year, as the festival is not coinciding with the crop stubble burning season. According to an Indian Express report, an IMD expert said, “Diwali is much later than usual this year. This means that by the time the festival comes, the fields will be cleared already. In other years, the festival coincides with peak stubble burning season, pushing Delhi and nearby areas into the severe category of pollution. Due to the pandemic, when the number of vehicles on the road was much lesser than normal and industries were shut down, air quality across the country improved significantly. In Delhi, the deterioration over the past two weeks has been rapid but the peak has been avoided for now.”
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According to a report by Medicover Hospitals, firing crackers in Diwali can drastically increase the level of dust and pollutants in the air. The pollutants contain chemicals that can have harmful effects on our respiratory system, nervous system and even blood levels. Amid the coronavirus crisis, keeping our immunity strong is very important. Thus, we must always use products that are not harmful to the environment. Meanwhile, here are the top 11 things to do at Delhi’s Connaught Place:
First Published: November 03, 2020 1:30 PM