Chowdhury Blames Lax Firecracker Regulations for Diwali Pollution

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating air quality observed during the Diwali festivities, attributing the pollution crisis in major Indian cities to inadequate enforcement of green firecracker policies. Chowdhury pointed fingers at the government for their apparent failure to ensure compliance with the court-mandated regulations.

"Firecrackers are being burst not only in Delhi but in various major cities across India during Diwali, leading to severe pollution and suffocation among the general public," Chowdhury pointed out. He highlighted the Supreme Court's directive, which only allowed for green firecrackers, noting that the ongoing pollution indicates a disconnect between court orders and their execution at the grassroots level.

On Tuesday, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category a day after Diwali, with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) II in effect. The Central Pollution Control Board reported a concerning Air Quality Index (AQI) of 351, with Bawana recording a 'severe' AQI of 424. Health experts caution that the rising AQI poses serious risks to children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues.