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The nation's highest judicial body has authorized the sale and use of crackers deemed lower-emission for the forthcoming festive season, even as pollution levels in capital Delhi reach the hazardous category.

Firecrackers have been banned in Delhi since 2020, as they greatly contribute to the yearly air pollution crisis the metropolis faces.

The so-called eco-friendly firecrackers, that the judiciary permitted on this week, are designed to emit 20-30% less pollutants than traditional versions and generate minimal ash, according to their manufacturers.

However opponents assert that although less harmful, they nonetheless discharge dangerous particles into the air and adversely impact air quality.

Critical Air Quality Levels Observed in Delhi

The top court's ruling was issued on a day when air quality in Delhi were significantly above the safe levels suggested by the WHO.

According to the national pollution agency's data, most areas of the city on Wednesday early hours recorded PM2.5 concentrations – tiny particles in the atmosphere – between 300 and 400.

These small particles are extremely risky – they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and present significant medical dangers. In several of the most affected areas, the levels exceeded the 400 threshold.

According to the government's pollution index, when these levels exceed 300, they can lead to respiratory illnesses in individuals exposed for long periods. Readings exceeding 400 can impact even those in good health and have serious impacts on at-risk populations such as minors, the elderly and those with existing health conditions.

Recurring Pollution Issue in Delhi

Pollution is a annual crisis that Delhi and many additional parts of northern India face every cold season.

The pollution worsens due to low wind speed, traffic pollution and crop residue fires in neighbouring states.

And the widespread ignition of festive pyrotechnics during Diwali worsens the situation. Although there has been a ban on firecrackers for the past five years, enforcement on the ground has remained weak.

Residents often report of the air being too hazardous to inhale on the day after Diwali.

Experts state that this year we might witness pollution levels deteriorate, especially now that people are permitted to ignite green crackers.

Court Directives and Social Response

In the recent order, the top court has additionally issued a set of detailed guidelines on the timing and manner these firecrackers could be sold and used.

The court stated the distribution would be permitted from the weekend and the start of the week from licensed outlets and the firecrackers could only be ignited in designated zones. The judicial body fixed a three-hour timeframe for ignition, 60 minutes in the morning and two hours at evening.

The ruling has generated varied responses on online platforms.

A number of have supported the decision, saying it allows them to completely observe the religious occasion.

Others, however, contend that implementation of firecracker rules has already been ineffective and allowing them could additionally worsen the capital's pollution levels.

Official Actions to Address Pollution

Meanwhile, in an attempt to tackle increasing environmental degradation, the Delhi government on the previous day implemented the GRAP which bans all practices involving the use of solid fuels, as well as the operation of backup power sources for non-essential services.