New Delhi: Ahead of Diwali, Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and former Chief Minister of Delhi, has once again urged residents to refrain from bursting firecrackers. He emphasized that this year’s ban on fireworks is not about religious beliefs but is a necessary measure to safeguard public health.
In a press conference, Kejriwal stated that Diwali should be celebrated as a festival of light, highlighting the adverse effects of pollution from firecrackers, particularly on children’s health. He stressed the importance of health over tradition, asserting that the essence of Diwali lies in spreading light rather than smoke.
#WATCH | Delhi: AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal says “…Keeping Diwali in mind, the salary of November has reached the accounts of approximately 64,000 temporary and permanent MCD sanitation workers. The salary which was to be paid to them by 7 November has already reached… pic.twitter.com/67dbJKvPB0
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024
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Kejriwal referenced opinions from the Supreme Court and High Court, which support the view that, due to pollution concerns, lighting diyas should take precedence over using firecrackers. “By choosing not to burst crackers, we are not doing anyone a favor; we are prioritizing our families’ health. Pollution affects us all, and our children will bear the brunt of it. This issue transcends religious lines; every life is important,” he remarked.
In addition to this message, Kejriwal announced that the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) has successfully disbursed salaries and Diwali bonuses to sanitation workers before the end of October. He praised the MCD for this achievement, noting that it marks the first time in 18 years that workers have received their payments on time, rather than facing delays of several months.
Kejriwal conveyed his heartfelt wishes to all sanitation workers and their families for a joyful Diwali, encouraging them to celebrate the festival with their loved ones.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
