Hans News Service Lucknow

UttarPradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday played down concerns over post-Diwali pollution, saying it would subside, and questioned why those raising the issue remained silent about people who had allegedly polluted the system through corruption.

Adityanath said people had celebrated Diwali with enthusiasm, and there was no need to be overly concerned about the pollution. "Some people are saying that pollution has increased because of Diwali.

So what if it has increased? It will subside as well. Why are you worried?" he said. "Those who have polluted the entire system through their corrupt deeds are not questioned. But if the public bursts firecrackers and celebrates with fireworks for one day, suddenly pollution becomes an issue," he added. Defending the celebrations, the chief minister said people had done the right thing by celebrating Diwali with fireworks and enthusiasm. "People celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm and burst plenty of firecrackers. We had said that we would not impose any restrictions. Let people burst firecrackers and celebrate," the chief minister said.

Referring to his participation in the fireworks celebrations in Ayodhya, Adityanath said he had also been present there. "I was also there in Ayodhya during the fireworks celebrations," he said.

Adityanath also referred to the grand Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya and the festivities surrounding Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, saying festivals were now being celebrated peacefully across the state.