In light of the ongoing ban on fireworks in Delhi during Diwali, Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has reaffirmed that this restriction is aimed at safeguarding public health rather than being a religious issue. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he emphasized that the essence of Diwali is the celebration of light, not the pollution generated by fireworks, which can have detrimental effects, particularly on children.
Kejriwal stated, “This is not about Hindu or Muslim; the true spirit of the festival lies in spreading light, not smoke. We must prioritize health over tradition when addressing pollution.” He highlighted the consensus among the Supreme Court and high courts regarding the detrimental impact of fireworks on air quality, advocating for the use of diyas instead. “By refraining from bursting firecrackers, we are not doing anyone a favor; we are doing it for our own families. The pollution affects everyone, and our children bear the brunt of it,” he added.
In addition to discussing the fireworks ban, Kejriwal announced that the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) has ensured that all sanitation workers receive their salaries and Diwali bonuses before the end of October. He praised the timely disbursement of salaries, noting, “This is the first time in 18 years that sanitation workers are receiving their payments ahead of schedule. Previously, their salaries were often delayed by 7 to 8 months, but now they can celebrate Diwali with their families without financial worries.”
Kejriwal extended his wishes to the sanitation workers, saying, “Congratulations to all the sanitation workers of the Delhi Municipal Corporation. I wish them and their families a Happy Diwali. This timely support will enable everyone to enjoy the festival together.”
Through these statements, Kejriwal aims to foster a spirit of communal responsibility and health awareness as Delhi prepares for the Diwali celebrations, urging residents to embrace the true meaning of the festival while looking out for one another’s well-being.
