Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai today urged school children and eco clubs to take a pledge to observe a firecracker-free Diwali. Firecrackers were originally not part of Diwali celebrations, he claimed while interacting with schoolchildren and representatives of eco clubs at the Delhi Secretariat.
"Earlier, people would celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas (earthen lamps). There were no firecrackers. We have to return to the traditional way of celebrating the festival. 'D' stands for diyas and Diwali and 'P' stands for patakhe (firecrackers) and pollution," he said.
"I want all of you to promise that you will observe Diwali by lighting diya and not crackers".
On October 27, Mr Rai had launched the 'Patakhe Nahi Diya Jalao' campaign to create awareness against burning firecrackers.
The minister had warned of strict action under relevant IPC provisions and the Explosives Act against anyone found burning firecrackers.
The Delhi government has formed 15 teams at the district level to create awareness among people and to monitor the sale and purchase of firecrackers. Moreover, all the 157 police stations in the capital have a two-member team.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced a ban on firecrackers on September 15, saying it was "essential to save lives".
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Thick Smog Blankets Delhi, Mumbai As Air Quality Dips How To Manage Lung Health: Preventive Care For Polluted Times Opinion: Opinion | Why Indians Have Just Given Up On Air Pollution Crisis Is Safe Car Enough? Volvo Crash That Killed CEO, Family Sparks Big Question Snack Food Epigamia Founder Rohan Mirchandani Dies Of Cardiac Arrest At 41 "Nothing Short Of Nightmare": Woman Misses Life Event, Slams Air India Watch: Pak Girl Selling Snacks Speaks Flawless English, Impresses Internet Key Challenges Gen Z Students Face Abroad And How to Overcome Them Rahul Gandhi's Family Lunch At Iconic Delhi Restaurant Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.