Diwali 2023: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde extends greetings, urges people to work unitedly for development

CM Eknath Shinde. File Pic

Diwali 2023: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday extended Diwali greetings to people and urged them to work unitedly for the all-round development of the state.

In a statement issued by the chief minister's office, CM Eknath Shinde expressed hope that the Diwali festivities bring peace and prosperity to all.

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"Let's work together to realise the dream of a developed state in all spheres," he said.

The chief minister also urged people to protect the environment while enjoying the festival of lights.

CM Shinde Thursday had also chaired a review meeting on prevailing pollution in Maharashtra amid rising concerns over the air quality in the state.

The Maharashtra government will work on a war-footing to curb pollution by washing Mumbai's roads and clearing debris from construction sites, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Thursday, reported the PTI.

Talking to reporters after chairing a review meeting on the issue, CM Eknath Shinde said that he had detailed discussions with the environment ministry, civic chiefs, collectors from other parts of the state on ways to tackle rising pollution levels, according to the PTI.

The meeting was held at the chief minister's residence, Varsha Bungalow. Officials from different parts of Maharashtra joined the meeting virtually.

"I have given instructions to concerned authorities to take up the task of curbing pollution on a war-footing. The BMC has been asked to use more manpower to clean roads using water and hire tankers for the purpose," the CM Shinde said, as per the PTI.

CM Shinde said that foggers (devices that create fog through intense spaying) must be used at construction sites, while the administration has been asked to focus on urban deforestation, the PTI reported on Thursday.

Meanwhile, while the Mumbai police implement the restricted timing for bursting firecrackers, special ward-level teams of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will also be deployed to ensure adherence to the order by the Bombay High Court (HC).

The ward-level team will also take action as per the SOP. Teams have been formed to ensure adherence to dust mitigation guidelines. These teams will also take up vigilance against firecrackers in their respective ward

(with PTI inputs)