Delhi: did firecracker use rise or fall on Diwali 2022? Minister Gopal Rai reveals

Delhi is seeing its best air quality on the day after Diwali in 5 years, according to the Aam Aadmi Party government. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai claimed that the air quality index (AQI) on 25 October 2022 stood at 323, compared to 462 last year.

Rai claimed that incidents of bursting of firecrackers on Diwali in Delhi dropped by 30 per cent this year. "People of Delhi were very thoughtful on Diwali this year and I want to thank them," Rai said on the sidelines of an event where he launched 150 mobile anti-smog guns.

He said the anti-smog guns will be deployed at 40 spots across the capital where air pollution is high. However, he warned that AQI of 323 is "still worrying" and that air pollution will rise in the coming days.

Rai credited the Punjab government for controlling stubble burning in the state without support from the Centre. He claimed that farm fires had increased in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

(With PTI inputs)

Also Watch| Diwali: weather conditions dilute effect of crackers but Delhi air still 'very poor'