NewKerala.com

Delhi Pollution Mystery: Why Diwali Crackers Didn't Worsen Air Quality

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva finds it encouraging that Diwali firecrackers caused minimal pollution impact this year. He accuses AAP leaders of opposing crackers primarily to secure Muslim votes rather than environmental concerns. The BJP president highlights that stubble burning in Punjab began before pollution levels increased in Delhi. Sachdeva criticizes both previous Congress and current AAP governments for failing to implement effective pollution control measures.

Key Points: Delhi BJP Chief Hails Marginal Dip in Diwali Air Pollution

  • Delhi's AQI recorded at 356 post-Diwali compared to 396 last year
  • BJP accuses AAP of opposing crackers to appease Muslim vote bank
  • 309 major stubble burning incidents registered in Punjab recently
  • Sachdeva claims Punjab government failed to assist flood-affected farmers
  • AAP leaders blamed Diwali crackers for marginal pollution spike
2 min read

Delhi BJP chief hails marginal dip in air quality day after Diwali

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva notes minimal pollution impact post-Diwali, blames Punjab stubble burning and criticizes AAP's cracker opposition tactics.

"This is why they continue to spread confusion among the public on one issue or another - Virendra Sachdeva"

New Delhi, Oct 21

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva stated that it is a welcome sign that firecrackers were burst during Diwali celebrations on Monday night, yet there was no significant negative impact on the air pollution situation in the region.

Sachdeva said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders like Saurabh Bharadwaj are compelled to oppose Diwali crackers to appease the Muslim community to secure their vote bank.

"This is why they continue to spread confusion among the public on one issue or another. Currently, the AAP leaders are making statements blaming the marginal spike in air pollution on Diwali firecrackers and are calling for another ban on them," said the Delhi BJP President.

Sachdeva stated that without a doubt, the AQI -- which rises every winter -- will increase slightly this year as well.

On the morning of October 31, 2024 -- the day after Diwali -- Delhi had recorded an AQI of a record-breaking 396. Today, October 21, the city's average AQI stands at 356, he said.

He added that although Punjab's farmers have been troubled by floods this year, now that the floodwaters have receded, they are working to clear their fields, which includes burning some stubble.

"Between October 11 and October 19, 2025, a total of 309 major stubble burning incidents were registered in Punjab," he said.

It is shameful that the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Punjab neither helped the farmers earlier to prevent stubble burning nor is it offering any assistance now to the flood-affected farmers to stop them from burning stubble, said Sachdeva.

The Delhi BJP President said it is true that pollution levels in Delhi have risen post-Diwali, but it is also true that reports of stubble burning in Punjab began surfacing two to three days before the pollution levels started increasing on October 17.

He further said that neither the previous Congress governments nor the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi took any solid steps to control pollution or improve the situation.

"Now that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's administration is working in a planned manner to improve the pollution scenario, AAP leaders -- who are known for their misleading statements -- are actively trying to worsen the situation," he said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
AQI 396 last year vs 356 this year? That's still "very poor" category! Why are we celebrating marginal improvements when our children are breathing toxic air? Both crackers AND stubble burning need to be addressed seriously.
A
Aditya G
Why bring religion into pollution discussion? This is exactly what's wrong with our politics. We need solutions, not blame games. Farmers need alternatives to stubble burning, and we need cleaner celebrations. 🙏
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi recently, the air quality is shocking. Everyone keeps blaming each other while people suffer. Can't we have green crackers and help farmers simultaneously? This isn't rocket science!
K
Karthik V
The data speaks for itself - 309 stubble burning incidents in Punjab! That's the real culprit. Diwali comes once a year, but stubble burning continues for weeks. Focus on the bigger problem please.
M
Meera T
My asthmatic son couldn't go to school today because of the pollution. Instead of political point-scoring, I wish our leaders would actually work together to solve this annual crisis. 😔

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50