‘Banned Crackers, Public Needs To Cooperate’: Delhi Minister Says GRAP-II Likely Ahead Of Diwali

Delhi Environment Minister Rai said that firecrackers have been banned in the national capital and also urged the public to cooperate with the government to achieve the goal of a clean environment.

Amid the escalating concerns over the environment of the national capital with deteriorating air quality, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that firecrackers have been banned in the city. He also urged the public to cooperate with the government to achieve the goal of a clean environment. Rai also said that the government is moving towards the implementation of the second phase of GRAP.

The environment minister said, "Though we have banned firecrackers in Delhi. But the public too needs to cooperate with the government. Since everyone out there is grappling with pollution, one needs to make a point that one does not promote activities that might lead to an increase in toxicity in the air. Through everyone's cooperation, we can achieve the goal of a clean environment," as quoted by ANI.

Speaking on the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the environment minister said, "The government is moving towards the implementation of the second phase of GRAP. The next happens to be crucial provided the Diwali festival is around the corner".

GRAP is a set of guidelines and measures implemented to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, which includes Delhi and its surrounding areas.

Goapl Rai said that the government is making an "all-round" preparation to combat pollution. Rai said that action will be taken against those who violate the norms. He added that the Delhi government is preparing to come up with a 'Winter action plan'.

Speaking to ANI, Rai said, "As the Diwali festival is around the corner, the Delhi government is making an all-round preparation to combat pollution. We are looking at every trivial factor that might aid in increasing pollution in Delhi. We are prepared to take strict action on those who violate the norms. The government is also preparing the 'Winter action plan'".

"The AQI of Delhi rose above 300 the day before yesterday. As there is a change in the weather, the pollution will increase. Though, it has become better now", he added.

Speaking on the issue of traffic jams as a factor in "fueling" pollution, Gopal Rai said, "In yesterday's meeting, we instructed the police officials to increase the police force on the points where there are massive traffic jams. With that effect, 91 such points have been identified so that the pollution which is triggered due to the jams can be curbed," as quoted by ANI.

He further said, "In the meeting, which was held with the Union Environment Minister, we pointed out that the buses arriving from Uttar Pradesh or Haryana are those operated by Diesel, which leads to a rise in the pollution level. Though in Delhi, there are CNG or electric buses, which should be the case in Uttar Pradesh or Haryana as well", he added.