Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has accused Bharatiya Janata Party leaders of promoting the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali which led to an increase in pollution in the city.
The air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the 'Severe' category as the city woke up once again to smog, limiting visibility on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
With Delhi's air pollution deteriorating, authorities of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, a government hospital in the city, have decided to establish a special Out-Patient Department (OPD) for pollution-related illnesses.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused the BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana of allowing the burning of firecrackers on Diwali despite the ban.
Following the pollution review meeting with the officers of the Environment Department at the Delhi Secretariat, Gopal Rai on Monday announced that the anti-pollution measures under GRAP IV regulations will remain enforced in Delhi until the next order of Commission for Air Quality Managemen
Speaking to ANI about the review meeting, Rai said, "The review meeting will include discussions on the overall air quality situation in Delhi-NCR. We will conduct discussions on the status of the different enforcement works that have been implemented to tackle the pollution."
Post-Diwali, Delhi-NCR's air quality has significantly deteriorated, falling into the 'Poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Visuals from various parts of Delhi showed thick haze covering the roads, significantly reducing visibility and making it difficult to see beyond a few hundred metres.
Multiple people sustained burn injuries after a fire broke out in a fireworks market at a ground named Gopal Bagh located in Mathura district's Raya town.
"I appeal to people in Delhi and nearby areas of Delhi. Diwali is a festival of diyas. Celebrate Diwali in a grand manner by lighting diyas but don't burst crackers and make it difficult for people to breathe because the festival is to spread happiness," Rai told ANI.