Green firecrackers key to control air pollution in Delhi: Gopal Rai

NEW DELHI: Gopal Rai, Minister of Environment, Government of Delhi, referring to the poor air quality index (AQI) in the national capital, announced that only ‘green’ firecrackers can be manufactured, sold and used in the city. Delhi government will launch an anti-firecracker campaign on November 3, which is scheduled to continue even after Deepavali. In his address, Rai appealed to Delhiites to start a ‘no-cracker’ campaign mentioning the fact on how SARS-CoV-2 can become even more infectious in polluted air.

Rai said that the main reason behind the spike in air pollution in Delhi are firecrackers on Deepavali and stubble burning in neighbouring agricultural lands. The Supreme Court had given the licensing department of Delhi Police the responsibility to enforce the ban on traditional firecrackers. To avoid disturbing the spirit of the festivals, the Delhi government is mandating the use of only green firecrackers which do not emit sulphur dioxide and nitrogen when burnt, thus curbing the spike in pollution level. He requested people and traders to comply with norms and not use any remaining stock of traditional firecrackers.

Rai said that there are around 93 companies across India which make green crackers using pyrotechnic. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) is all set to form 11 different teams consisting of engineers and environment marshals, who will keep a vigil on the manufacturers across the capital. Any violator caught by DPCC is to be charged under the Environment Protection Act and Air Act.

Rai said that the Delhi government has taken various initiatives to combat air pollution. He referred to the sprinkling of bio-decomposer to stop stubble burning, ‘Red Light On, Gaadi Off’ campaign, anti-dust pollution campaign, and Electric Vehicle Policy. Delhi government is set to launch an app named ‘Green Delhi”, through which people can share complaints about any violation of environmental norms.