Crackers burst in 'targeted manner', pollution level worsens: Delhi minister Gopal Rai

BJP people instigated others to burn crackers, AQI rose by 100 points overnight: Delhi minister Gopal Rai

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai on November 13 met Environment Department officials to review the national capital's air quality. For the past few days, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has been in the severe or 'severe plus' category at several locations in the national capital and surrounding areas.

The review meeting's goal was to discuss the overall air quality situation in Delhi-NCR as well as the status of the various enforcement works that have been implemented to combat pollution.

While addressing the media post-meeting, Rai said the bursting of firecrackers has increased pollution levels in Delhi. Not many people have burst firecrackers but, it was done in some places in a targeted manner. "Yesterday, the AQI in parts of Delhi was recorded between 215 and 220. And today, it reached 315-320 after firecrackers were burst in a targeted manner," he said. "The way BJP leaders were inciting people, its result can be seen today," he added.

The post- Diwali pollution has been a major concern for the people living in the area.

Moreover, according to PTI, Rai also announced the extension of a campaign to control dust pollution till November 30, a month-long drive against open burning of waste. The campaign was started on November 14. Along with that, measures under Stage IV of Centre’s air pollution control plan will continue in Delhi till further orders, he added.