Sisodia writes to institutions over stop cracker drive

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has written to 2,000 educational institutions in one of biggest efforts seen in the city to involve students in a campaign to dissuade them from cracker bursting on Diwali – a practice which often leaves the city air polluted.

Sisodia, who also looks after the education portfolio, in his letter urged the heads of the schools and colleges to run a campaign called ‘Say no to crackers’ to reduce noise and air pollution during Diwali.

He urged he institutions to involve students in campaigns, seminars and marches in an attempt to keep them away from bursting of crackers.

This year the festival of lights will be celebrated on November 11. “In order to discourage use of fire crackers on Diwali for controlling air and noise pollution, the Delhi government is conducting a campaign with the support of all the stakeholders and eco clubs. Your institution can play a pivotal role in this campaign,” he said.

The minister said, “Your institution may accordingly organise awareness programmes like street plays.”