Gopal Rai, the environment minister for Delhi, on Sunday launched a subtle jab at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the re-imposition of the blanket ban on fireworks by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led administration. He claimed that saving lives was the government's top concern and that politics had no place in the decision to ban firecrackers.
Each year, around Diwali and during the winter, Delhi's pollution levels soar to unprecedented heights. In an interview with reporters, Rai stated that the fumes released by firecrackers are exceedingly hazardous, particularly for young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
"Our priority is to save lives. We are not interested in politics over firecrackers. Some people even moved the Supreme Court over the issue. There is no scope of a debate after the apex courts' decision in the matter," he said.
As has been the case for the past two years, a complete ban on firecrackers is in effect throughout the national capital until January 1.
Rai brought up the Supreme Court following the dismissal of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari's appeal on Thursday asking for an urgent hearing of a case challenging the general ban on fireworks by the high court.