Delhi government will urge the Supreme Court to permit the use of green firecrackers during Diwali, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Monday.
"We will urge the Supreme Court to permit the use of green firecrackers for Diwali," she said told reporters in the national capital.
The Chief Minister further said that all green firecrackers must be manufactured by authorised entities certified by relevant authorities, and assured full cooperation with any directives issued by the court.
"The Delhi government will express its wish in writing before the court that the government takes its responsibility towards pollution seriously and will fulfil it, but everyone should be given permission to use green crackers on this festival...The government will submit a written submission to the Supreme Court, requesting that certified green firecrackers be allowed while ensuring public participation and adherence to regulations," CM Gupta said.
She emphasised that the move balances the sentiments of millions celebrating the festival and the government's commitment to curbing pollution and protecting the environment.
"I believe that Delhi's problems are there in their place, and working on them is one solution, but there are millions of people in the country who are religious, for whom Diwali is a very big festival, connected to emotions... In such a situation, I understand that they should be given permission for this (use of firecrackers), whether in the form of green crackers, so that they can celebrate their festival well, the CM said.
On the occasion of celebrating the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the chief minister said that the government will celebrate with "great grandeur".
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated annually to mark the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the revered author of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. Also called Pargat Diwas, the festival falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Ashwin.
"The Delhi government is going to celebrate the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki with great grandeur this time. The Delhi government has extended help to nearly 100 or more organisations for this event... All representatives of the government will attend various programs and become part of this celebration. The government has declared a holiday for tomorrow, and the government is working to provide facilities everywhere..." she said.
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