Yogi Adityanath Defends Diwali Firecrackers, Questions Objections Raised in the Name of Pollution

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed support for people bursting firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. He questioned objections raised in the name of pollution over a festival celebrated with enthusiasm for just one day. Recalling his participation in Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya, Yogi said he had also burst firecrackers. He added that his government does not encourage restrictions on festivals and wants people to celebrate freely.

Yogi also criticised what he described as selective concern about pollution. He questioned why some people remain silent about corruption and other forms of pollution but raise environmental concerns when people celebrate festivals with firecrackers. He suggested that the pollution caused by celebrations would reduce over time. Meanwhile, air quality in Delhi-NCR had deteriorated ahead of Diwali. On November 9, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reportedly reached 371, its worst level since 2021. Monitoring stations in several areas recorded AQI readings above 400, placing air quality in the 'severe' category. Subsequent reports indicated a slight improvement to the 'poor' category.