32% families in Delhi planning to burst firecrackers on Deepavali: Survey
The Hindu
Around 32% families are planning to burst firecrackers in Delhi, while 43% cited concerns about pollution as the reason for not doing so, according to a survey by a community social media platform.
Around 32% families are planning to burst firecrackers in Delhi, while 43% cited concerns about pollution as the reason for not doing so, according to a survey by a community social media platform.
According to the survey by Localcircles that received over 9,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad, 32% families in Delhi-NCR are likely to burst firecrackers this Deepavali despite a ban on its sale and use.
Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR on Monday morning were recorded around seven to eight times above the government-prescribed safe limit, as a toxic haze persisted over the region for the seventh consecutive day.
Many residents believe that stubble burning in the neighbouring states is the primary cause of increased air pollution in Delhi-NCR from late October to early November, the survey stated.
"As per reports, the sale of firecrackers is not prohibited in neighbouring states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. In the last few years, residents of Delhi were seen procuring crackers from these states," the report said.
The survey report said that the situation presents a significant challenge to the administration, as their "inability to find a long-term solution to stubble burning in neighbouring states over the past decade has affected their credibility." "As a result, stringent enforcement of the cracker ban, coupled with an increased awareness campaign will be essential to control cracker burning this Deepavali," the report said.
The survey further stated that data from previous years have shown a significant rise in air quality index (AQI) levels the day after Deepavali, with an increase of 100-300 points compared to the previous day.
The Opposition Congress demanded that the government open the Gandhi Vatika Museum, depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and freedom struggle, built at a cost of ₹85 crore in Jaipur’s Central Park last year, during the Congress-led regime in Rajasthan. The museum has not been opened to the public, reportedly because of the administration’s engagements with the State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Almaya Munnettam (Lay People to the Fore), group in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church opposed to the synod-recommended Mass, rejected a circular issued by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur on June 9 to implement the unified Mass in the archdiocese from July 3.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.