Prakash Javadekar urges to use only 'green firecrackers' during Diwali

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday in a press conference urged people to use only green firecrackers during Diwali and noted that the government has taken a 'historic initiative' for their production to reduce pollution. The press conference was kept to discuss various issues pertaining to the environment.

"I would say do not burn firecrackers. I hope that children, students will tell their parents to not bring firecrackers," Javadekar told a press conference here. 

He further said that if people wanted to use firecrackers as part of celebrations, they should use only green crackers instead of firecrackers.

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Availability of Green Crackers 

Adding to his statements he said that the Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan has talked about the steps taken for making green crackers available. Harsh Vardhan on Saturday took to Twitter and announced the launch of eco-friendly green firecrackers. He further informed that the green logo as well as a Quick Response (QR) coding system has been developed for the differentiation of green crackers from conventional crackers.

Javadekar in the press conference also spoke about the effectiveness of afforestation, he stated that the last four years have seen an increase in the green cover by 15,000 square km.

READ: Aarey Forest: Prakash Javadekar refuses to comment on SC's verdict

Prakash Javadekar on Aarey Colony matter

Prakash Javadekar was also asked about the ongoing Aarey colony matter in Mumbai over which he refrained from commenting directly and added, "Supreme Court has given a decision on it, so I will not comment on the matter". However, he reiterated the policy and practice of 'If you cut one tree, you plant and ensure the growth of five trees."

He then spoke about the government's policy on replanting the trees from one region to another. He said, "We do it. In Chattisgarh, we removed many trees and replanted them in new Raipur." As the issue of tree felling continues to grow, Prakash Javadekar emphasised on the government's policy to plant more and more trees.

READ: Prakash Javadekar: Delhi to get BS6-compliant vehicles by 2020

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(With Inputs from ANI)