'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi': Delhi Govt announces campaign after AQI drops in Delhi

The Delhi government is starting a champagne 'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi' amid the rising concerns of pollution again after the Diwali session. 

'दिए जलाओ, पटाखे नहीं'
जन जागरूकता अभियान में आप भी शामिल हों।

आज 21 अक्टूबर, शाम 5:00 बजे, सेंट्रल पार्क, कनॉट प्लेस, नई दिल्ली। pic.twitter.com/SEWwOwXDYA

— Gopal Rai (@AapKaGopalRai) October 21, 2022

Speaking to ANI, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that rain and wind have helped to reduce the pollution. He said, "People of nearby cities are requested to light the lamps and distribute sweets during Diwali, but do not burst firecrackers. We want the pollution level to remain good even on the next day of Diwali. The campaign of 'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi' is starting from today."

#WATCH | On artificial rains in Delhi to contain the air pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, "We presented our submission in front of the Supreme Court. We are waiting for the written order from the Supreme Court. We will analyse the court's order and then make… pic.twitter.com/2NC7G8NQqL

— ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2023

He added, "We all should take responsibility for our own lives. One should not do work that increases pollution".

Delay in implementation in odd-even 

Earlier in the day, Gopal Rai announced that the state government would delay the proposed implementation of the odd-even car-rationing scheme in Delhi.

The Delhi Environment Minister said, "An improvement is seen in the pollution level. The AQI which was 450+ has now reached around 300. The decision to implement odd-even from November 13 to 20 has been postponed. The situation would be analyzed again after Diwali".  

The announcement was followed by the Supreme Court's judgment that directed the Delhi government to make a reasonable decision on the implementation of the Odd-Even Scheme. However, the court refrained from taking a decision itself, leaving the matter in the hands of the state government.

According to the data from the government's air quality monitoring agency, SAFAR, the air quality in Delhi at 7 am today was 407.