New Delhi [India], October 18 (ANI): Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi on Friday directed the Municipal Corporation Commissioner to pass an order under the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 2007 seeking appropriate action to make Delhi neat and clean before the Diwali festival.

"As you know the Diwali festival is fast approaching, but cleanliness in Delhi is not up to the mark. There are a lot of hoarding wallpapers, stickers, all over Delhi, giving it a shabby look," Shelly Oberoi directed Commissioner, MCD, Civic Centre, New Delhi.

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"It is, therefore, desired that you may pass an order under the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 2007 and give instructions to the concerned officials to take appropriate action to make Delhi neat and clean before the Diwali festival," she added.

Earlier, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1. He appealed to everyone to help control pollution sources.

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The city's air quality has reached the 'poor' category, prompting the government to take action. Rai said, "We cannot change the weather, but we are trying to reduce pollution sources."

"We have imposed a ban on firecrackers. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued a directive today. From now until January 1, there will be a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers within Delhi. We appeal to everyone that every little bit contributes to the ocean. If we all work together to control the sources of pollution, the quality of life for Delhi's residents will improve", the Environment Minister told ANI.

Diwali is observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, Lord Ram (the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu) returned from a 14-year-long exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demon king Ravan. (ANI)

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