Delhi’s Diwali radiance unique this year, govt serious over pollution concerns: CM

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Tuesday said the “radiance and brilliance” of Diwali in Delhi this year was “unique’, while asserting her government was serious about taking effective measures to curb pollution.

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

She thanked the Supreme Court for allowing the “limited use” of green firecrackers, balancing tradition with environmental concerns, even as opposition AAP sought to corner the BJP government over the rise in air quality index post-Diwali.

Delhi residents woke up to heavy grey haze darkening the city skies on Tuesday, reduced visibility and the air quality in the ‘red zone’ after many celebrated Diwali last night by bursting firecrackers beyond the two-hour limit set by the Supreme Court.

‘According to a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 359, in the ‘very poor’ category, at 11 am. It was 352 at 8 am, 346 at 5 am, 347 at 6 am and 351 at 7 am.

‘The ruling BJP, however, has blamed stubble burning in AAP-ruled Punjab for the mess.