‘Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ campaign starts with ceremony of lighting diyas at Environment Minister’s Residence

*Saving lives and celebrating festivals are both crucial, celebrate Diwali with lamps and save Delhi from pollution – Gopal Rai*

India

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On Friday, under the Delhi F government’s series of actions on pollution, Environment Minister Gopal Rai initiated the ‘Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ campaign. Diyas were lit up at the residence at civil lines to mark the beginning of this campaign. On the occasion, the Environment Minister mentioned that collective efforts from the public are pivotal in keeping pollution in check. He appealed to Delhiites to celebrate Diwali with diyas, stating the two-pronged objective of the campaign, which is to stop people from bursting firecrackers and encouraging them to celebrate Diwali with diyas.

Gopal Rai mentioned, “Rise in pollution during Diwali had been noticed due to the bursting of firecrackers. Delhi’s Air becomes very polluted and it’s very lethal for children and the elderly. Today, we are marking the beginning of this campaign by lighting up the diyas. We will run this awareness campaign throughout Diwali. Collective efforts from the public are pivotal in keeping pollution in check.”

The Environment Minister stated, “During Diwali, a rise in pollution levels had been noticed due to the bursting of firecrackers. Keeping this in mind, the government has put a blanket ban on manufacture, storage, sale (including delivery through online marketing platforms) and bursting of firecrackers.”

Gopal Rai further added, “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. Today marks the beginning of the ‘Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi’ campaign to raise awareness among people and ensure that there is no pollution due to the burning of crackers anywhere in Delhi. It is pertinent that we ensure the safety and well-being of citizens while celebrating the festival. We will celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas and saving Delhi from pollution. I appeal 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 in reducing pollution. We have to understand our collective responsibility towards the safety of the environment.”

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