New Delhi, October 30: As Diwali approaches, Delhi Ex- Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a strong appeal to the citizens of Delhi to avoid bursting firecrackers this festive season.
He emphasize that the move is driven by concerns for public health and not religious sentiments.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Kejriwal said that Diwali is traditionally a festival of light, and fireworks, which lead to increased pollution levels and pose significant health risks, especially for children and vulnerable people.
He tries to explain that the ongoing ban on firecrackers in Delhi is part of a broader effort to combat the city's deteriorating air quality, which tends to worsen during the winter months. He stated that the ban should not be viewed through the lens of religion. "Diwali is about celebrating light, not smoke," he said, addressing the misconception that the ban is anti-Hindu or targets religious traditions.
Kejriwal took the opportunity to highlight the health implications of fireworks, saying, "The pollution caused by fireworks has lasting negative effects, especially on children. It's not just about Hindus or Muslims; everyone's health is at stake. Every breath of polluted air affects our lungs, and it's our children who suffer the most from it."
He cited rulings from both the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court, which have supported the ban on firecrackers in light of the city's severe pollution problem.
Kejriwal appealed to residents to understand the gravity of the pollution crisis and join hands in reducing it by sticking to more environmentally friendly ways of celebrating the festival. "Whatever pollution happens, it affects our children, our families. So, this is not a question of Hindu or Muslim. Everyone's life is important,"
