Violating restrictions and rising smoke: Delhi’s Diwali dilemma
In a defiant display of celebration, Delhiites violated the Supreme Court ban on firecrackers during Diwali, shrouding the city in a dense smog. BJP leader Kapil Mishra hailed the act as a “voice of freedom and democracy”, while TMC MP Saket Gokhale accused BJP members of violating the ban, raising concerns over rising pollution levels.
Gokhale took action and wrote a letter to Delhi Police seeking details on the firecracker violations. He pointed fingers at BJP leaders and claimed that they turned a blind eye to the ban and left Delhiites to breathe in a “gas chamber”.
To stop the increasing pollution, the AAP government had implemented a complete firecracker ban. The Supreme Court also tasked Delhi with taking a decision on the ‘odd-even’ vehicle rationing scheme. Despite moderate air quality index (AQI) being recorded on Diwali night, the next morning the AQI reached around 300 in most areas of Delhi. PM2.5 and PM10 levels reached 500 at various places including Rohini, ITO and Delhi airport area.
As fireworks lit up the night sky, Delhi faced a festive uproar as it grappled with dangerous pollution levels. The city’s dilemma about balancing tradition against environmental responsibility persists, the results of which are visible in the smog-filled air.
