CM Yogi Adityanath defends diwali fireworks amid concerns over pollution

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made a strong statement regarding Diwali fireworks, which comes amid growing concerns over pollution in Delhi-NCR and several other parts of the country. Speaking at an event in Lucknow, CM Yogi stated that people enjoyed massive fireworks during Diwali and his government didn't impose any kind of restrictions on them. He expressed happiness in seeing people celebrate the festival openly and mentioned that he was also present in Ayodhya during the celebrations.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a major event organized in Lucknow to distribute appointment letters to 1146 newly selected junior assistants for the revenue department by UPSSSC, along with distributing financial assistance amounting to 215 crore rupees to beneficiaries under the Chief Minister Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana. During the event, he launched a scathing attack on the opposition Samajwadi Party. He pointed out that the SP was in power four times in Uttar Pradesh, during which 1500 riots took place, and curfews would remain imposed for months at a stretch.

Targeting those who raise concerns over pollution during festivals, the CM said that on the day of Dhanteras, markets were buzzing with immense activity, and everyone witnessed the grand celebrations of Deepotsav in Ayodhya. He noted that people celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm, after which many started claiming that it caused massive pollution. Responding to this, CM Yogi said that even if pollution is caused, it will eventually dissipate. He questioned why people were unnecessarily worried about it, while remarking that no one speaks up against those who polluted the entire system through their corrupt practices.

He further stated that if the public engages in fireworks for just one day, it suddenly becomes an issue of pollution. Asserting that temporary pollution clears up automatically, he called fireworks a non-issue and praised the public for celebrating Diwali with great pomp and show. He reiterated that his government had decided not to impose any bans on celebrations, adding that whenever people try to express joy during festivals, critics immediately remember pollution.

Highlighting the festive spirit, the CM mentioned that Govardhan Puja was celebrated with great joy and Bhai Dooj was also being observed peacefully. He announced that on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, free travel in UP Roadways buses has been provided for mothers and sisters aged above sixty years. Contrasting the current peaceful atmosphere with the past, CM Yogi stated that such arrangements were impossible before the year 2017, when riots used to break out right before the arrival of any major festival in the state.