Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Nov 11: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday played down concerns over air pollution caused by Diwali celebrations, saying that the pollution could be brought under control and that people should not be worried.
Addressing a government programme in Lucknow, Adityanath said people had celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm and defended the decision not to impose restrictions on firecracker celebrations.
"If the public burst crackers one day, it created pollution! If pollution occurred, it would be mitigated as well. No problem. It is good that people celebrated Diwali with 'dhoom-dhadaka' and burst crackers. We decided not to impose any prohibitions," he said.
He also criticised those who, according to him, remained silent over people whose corrupt activities had polluted the entire system.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged political parties to join hands in addressing air pollution, arguing that Diwali fireworks should not be singled out as the primary reason for Delhi's deteriorating air quality.
In a letter addressed to various political parties, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal called for coordinated efforts with the Centre to tackle stubble burning in neighbouring states and other sources of pollution.
Goyal pointed out that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) remained between 350 and 400 on November 5, 6 and 7, even though Diwali was celebrated on November 8. Questioning the attribution of pollution solely to firecrackers, he said the high pollution levels recorded before the festival also needed to be addressed.
He further highlighted the recurring deterioration in air quality between October and January due to stubble burning in neighbouring states and called for sustained measures to tackle the problem.
"Even if we persuade firecracker traders not to set up shops or sell crackers in Delhi next year, can any credible and accountable party or organisation guarantee that the AQI will not cross 300 between October and January?" he asked.
Meanwhile, Delhi continued to experience the health effects of deteriorating air quality, with several residents reporting headaches, dry coughs and irritation in the eyes and throat.
Doctors have advised people to wear N95 masks and prefer public transport over private vehicles to reduce exposure to polluted air. On Diwali night, of the 59 pollution monitoring stations in Delhi, 20 recorded severe air quality, 33 reported very poor conditions and six registered poor air quality.
Despite the restrictions and regulations in place, firecrackers were burst in large numbers across the city, contributing to concerns over the worsening pollution situation.