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The ongoing debate surrounding firecracker usage during Diwali has taken center stage in Delhi's political landscape. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, spearheading the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has passionately advocated for a complete ban on all types of firecrackers until 2025, citing the detrimental impact on air quality. This call to action stems from the AAP government's unwavering commitment to mitigating the severe air pollution that plagues the national capital, particularly during festive periods. Kejriwal's appeal resonated with the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court's previous pronouncements emphasizing the importance of celebrating Diwali with diyas instead of crackers, a sentiment shared by environmental activists and concerned citizens.
However, this stance has ignited a fierce backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who vehemently oppose the complete ban. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, in a scathing rebuke, accused Kejriwal of manipulating public sentiment. Tiwari argued that the AAP government has failed to address air pollution effectively over the past decade and that imposing a ban solely during Diwali is a disingenuous attempt to evade responsibility. He proposed a more nuanced approach, advocating for the use of eco-friendly green crackers as a compromise to appease public sentiment while still addressing concerns about air quality.
Despite the heated political discourse, Delhi continues to grapple with worsening air quality. The city recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 278 on the eve of Diwali, firmly placing it in the 'poor' category. This grim reality underscores the urgency of addressing the persistent issue of air pollution, which impacts not only the environment but also the health and well-being of the city's residents. The effectiveness of the firecracker ban in achieving its intended goal of reducing air pollution remains to be seen, and the debate surrounding its implementation is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months.
Source: Arvind Kejriwal urges Delhi residents not to burst crackers, BJP against call