Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the bursting of firecrackers during Dhanteras and Diwali, saying that it was heartening to see the scenes. His remarks come amid concerns of rising pollution across the country, especially Delhi-NCR. The CM, however, said that those who pollute an entire system through their corrupt deeds are not questioned, but if people enjoy one day with firecrackers, then immediately the matter of pollution emerges.
"Those who polluted the entire system through their corrupt deeds are not questioned. But if the public bursts firecrackers and celebrates with fireworks for one day, people start talking about pollution," he added.
Adityanath urged people not to worry about pollution, stressing that even if there was pollution, it would eventually subside.
Expressing happiness over the pomp and enthusiasm with which people burst firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate Diwali, he said that the BJP-led government under him did not encourage any restrictions and instead encouraged everyone to celebrate the festival freely. He recalled his own Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya, saying he himself participated in the fireworks.
Taking another dig at those raising pollution concerns during festivals, the UP CM said people seemed to remember pollution only when others were celebrating festivals and expressing happiness.
The air quality in several cities across the country has been worsening leading up to Diwali on November 8. Thick smog blanketed the capital and its adjoining regions such as Noida and Gurugram, with AQI levels in more than half of monitoring stations exceeding 400 in the severe category.
On November 9 morning, the AQI in Delhi inched towards severe category, much worse than last year.
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