As a step to go by his government's plan to curb air pollution during the upcoming winter season, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced that the Delhi Government will host a laser show on the festive occasion of ‘Naraka Chaturdashi’ also known as ‘Choti Diwali’. The move has been announced with an aim to reduce the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. The Delhi Chief Minister appealed to the citizens of Delhi to gather in large numbers and enjoy the laser show instead of bursting crackers.

Kejriwal's appeal to gather on Laser show

“Bursting crackers during Diwali leads to air pollution as the winter causes temperature inversion arresting the smoke on the ground level, leading to respiratory problems among Delhi citizens.  The Supreme Court has also banned firecrackers. Hence, we urge the Delhi citizens to avoid firecrackers and gather in large numbers on the eve of Choti Diwali to enjoy the massive laser show organised by Delhi Government. We hope that the citizens will let go of firecrackers.” 

READ | Arvind Kejriwal to Health Dept: 'End VIP culture' in Delhi hospitals

Action Plan

Delhi, the capital of India is also known for its alarming pollution levels with November, December, and January being the most affected months of the year. In a bid to tackle the problem of city’s pollution, the Delhi Government has come up with seven-point action plan which includes distribution of masks, mechanised sweeping of roads, sapling plantation drive, water sprinkling for dust settlement, special plans for 12 pollution hot spots in the city along with organising a laser show and banning firecrackers. 

READ | RIP Ram Jethmalani: Arvind Kejriwal calls him an 'institution'

Odd-Even comes back

CM Arvind Kejriwal has also brought back the Odd-Even scheme that will be imposed between November 4 to 15. The Odd-Even scheme of the Delhi government was first introduced in January 2016 and the same was reimplemented in April 2016.

"If you enforce Odd-Even for a long time, the implementation becomes troublesome. As of now, Odd-Even will only be restricted to this time frame," said Kejriwal. Emergency vehicles will not be subject to this, he added. 

The Chief Minister said that this year, restrictions will be enforced on private cars whereas the women drivers will be exempted, and the scheme will not be imposed on the weekends.

READ | Arvind Kejriwal waives Delhi water bills in a pre-poll freebie spree

Kejriwal on New Motor Vehicles Act 

On the role of the new Motor Vehicles Act, Kejriwal said that the new act has improved the conditions of Delhi traffic. Talking to the reporters, the CM further said, 

“There has been improvement in Delhi’s traffic ever since the new Motor Vehicle Act has been implemented. If there is any clause due to which people are facing more problem and we have the power reduce the fine then we will certainly do it.”

READ | Arvind Kejriwal launches a special campaign against dengue in Delhi