Environment Minister asks scientists to create zero-pollution crackers

Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has told Indian scientists to create zero-pollution crackers so that people are able to enjoy Diwali without the harmful impact of crackers on the environment.

"At the India International Science festival, we told our scientists to create zero-pollution crackers in future so that they don't adversely impact the health of people and also the business of traders," Harsh Vardhan told ANI, at the "Run for Clean Air" mini-marathon at the India Gate.

Notably, the national capital has not responded positively to the Supreme Court's ban on the sale of firecrackers in New Delhi and adjoining regions.

The order issued on October 9 has not only upset the Delhi residents but also affected the business of traders.

"We can find a solution to keep everyone happy so that everyone is able to celebrate Diwali with a lot of joy, and children can enjoy their crackers also," Vardhan asserted.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, along with Union Minister Mahesh Sharma, was at the India Gate to flag off the mini-marathon - "Run for Clean Air".

Speaking at the event, Vardhan said, "We are celebrating the 'Run for clean air' marathon programme on the birth anniversary of late President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam, who was a great visionary. This programme is to realise the dreams of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wants to deliver a new India where there is a high level of environmental protection."

Vardhan informed that the mini marathon is an initiative to send a strong message to the countrymen that each must contribute to protect and ensure our air quality.

Meanwhile, the air quality of Delhi's Lodhi Road area remained in the 'poor' category on Sunday morning with prominent pollutants - PM 2.5 and PM 10.

-ANI