Crackers are out

As the Capital gets into the festive mood, Delhi’s Chief Minister, Shiela Dikshit appealed to the people to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali.

As the Capital gets into the festive mood, Delhi’s Chief Minister, Shiela Dikshit appealed to the people to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali. “For some years now, we have celebrated clean and pollution-free Diwali. This year too, let us enjoy Diwali with diyas, rangolis, sweets and gifts, instead of crackers,” she said.

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HT City asked a few Delhi-ites from different walks of life, if they plan to follow the CM’s advice.

Diwali is a festival of joy. Why spoil it by polluting our environment?
Akshi Wakhloo, Architect

Delhi is one of the greenest capitals in the world. Celebrate Diwali in the 2010 spirit — party, dance and have fun, but without crackers.
Sourabh Panhotra, IT professional

There is so much to do on Diwali, other than bursting crackers and polluting your environment. I would rather catch up with my friends for a card party.
Siddharth Jain, Businessman

Diwali is incomplete without crackers. The way, we can’t do away with Lakshmi puja on Diwali, similarly, we can’t have a cracker-less Diwali.
Kartikey Sinha, Marketing professional

It’s high time we become conscious for our environment. Crackers are fun but not at the cost of our environment. My advice to all — donate the money to some needy kids instead of spending on crackers.
Amit Kumar, Businessman

We should strongly say no to crackers as it’s a complete wastage of money. It’s better to spend money on something else.
Akhit Wadhwa, HR head