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The nation's highest court has given the green light the sale and use of crackers believed to be less polluting for the forthcoming Diwali season, while air quality readings in the national capital Delhi reach the hazardous category.

Firecrackers have been prohibited in Delhi since 2020, because they significantly worsen the yearly pollution problem the city faces.

The so-called green crackers, which the court approved on this week, are designed to release twenty to thirty percent less harmful substances than conventional ones and produce very little residue, as stated by their producers.

However skeptics argue that even though less harmful, they nonetheless emit dangerous particles into the atmosphere and adversely impact air quality.

Severe Air Quality Readings Observed in Delhi

The Supreme Court's ruling was issued on a day when air quality in Delhi were drastically above the safe levels advised by the WHO.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board's website, most parts of the capital on Wednesday morning registered PM2.5 levels – minute particulate matter in the air – ranging from 300 and 400.

These small particles are highly hazardous – they can enter far into the respiratory system and pose serious medical dangers. In several of the worst-hit areas, the levels crossed the 400-mark.

The government's pollution index, when these levels exceed 300, they can lead to respiratory illnesses in people exposed for extended durations. Readings exceeding 400 can affect even those in good health and have serious effects on at-risk populations such as minors, the elderly and those with existing medical issues.

Annual Pollution Crisis in Delhi

Pollution is a annual problem that Delhi and several additional regions of the north face every winter.

The pollution deteriorates due to low wind speed, vehicular emissions and stubble burning in adjacent states.

And the extensive bursting of festive pyrotechnics throughout the festival worsens the situation. Even though there has been a ban on firecrackers for the previous half-decade, implementation on the local level has remained weak.

Residents often complain of the air being extremely hazardous to breathe on the day after Diwali.

Specialists say that this year we might see pollution levels worsen, especially since people are allowed to use green crackers.

Court Guidelines and Social Response

In Wednesday's ruling, the top court has additionally provided a list of specific instructions on when and how these crackers could be distributed and ignited.

The court said the distribution would be permitted from Saturday and the start of the week from licensed outlets and the pyrotechnics could only be ignited in specified areas. The judicial body fixed a limited window for ignition, 60 minutes in the early hours and two hours at evening.

The ruling has generated mixed reactions on social media.

A number of have welcomed the decision, stating it allows them to completely celebrate the religious festival.

Critics, on the other hand, argue that implementation of firecracker regulations has previously been ineffective and allowing them could further worsen the capital's air quality.

Government Measures to Combat Pollution

Meanwhile, in an effort to tackle increasing pollution levels, the local administration on the previous day enforced the GRAP which prohibits all practices involving the utilization of coal and firewood, as well as the use of diesel generators for non-emergency purposes.