Rai criticized the lack of cooperation from neighboring states.

As Delhi faces heightened pollution risks ahead of the festive season, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the launch of the ‘Diya Jalao’ campaign, aiming to discourage firecracker usage and promote cleaner celebrations. With pollution levels expected to rise over the next two weeks due to weather changes, Rai emphasized the government's commitment to reducing emissions through public awareness and action against polluting activities.

In an effort to control vehicular pollution, the government is arranging bypass routes for vehicles traveling through Delhi but not destined for the city. Rai criticized the lack of cooperation from neighboring states, urging BJP-led governments in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to contribute to pollution control efforts rather than merely raising questions.

Minister Rai also reached out to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, calling for strict enforcement of Delhi’s firecracker ban after reports of unauthorized firecracker sales emerged. The ban, which prohibits the production, storage, and use of firecrackers in Delhi until January 1, is intended to mitigate the surge in particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels, which have already shown a marked increase. 

Additionally, stubble burning remains a concern, with Rai noting incidents at the Narela-Haryana border. While the Supreme Court has recently criticized Punjab and Haryana's insufficient action on this issue, Delhi has deployed bio-decomposer treatments to manage local stubble. 

Recent data places Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) at 328, classified as ‘Very Poor,’ underscoring the urgency of measures like the 'Diya Jalao' campaign to protect air quality.