India's Supreme Judiciary Permits Less-Polluting Crackers as the Capital's Pollution Levels Grows Hazardous

The nation's highest court has approved the distribution and ignition of firecrackers deemed more environmentally friendly for the forthcoming festive season, even as pollution levels in capital Delhi reach the severe range.

Pyrotechnics have been prohibited in Delhi since 2020, because they significantly worsen the annual environmental emergency the city experiences.

The termed green crackers, which the court approved on this week, are designed to emit 20-30% less pollutants than conventional ones and generate minimal ash, as stated by their producers.

But critics assert that even though safer, they still discharge toxic substances into the atmosphere and negatively affect the environment.

Severe Air Quality Readings Observed in Delhi

The top court's decision came on a occasion when air quality in Delhi were drastically above the recommended levels suggested by the global health body.

According to the national pollution agency's data, most parts of the capital on that day early hours registered PM2.5 levels – minute particulate matter in the air – between 300 and 400.

These fine particles are highly risky – they can penetrate deep into the lungs and present significant medical dangers. In some of the most affected areas, the levels crossed the 400 threshold.

According to the government's AQI, when these levels cross 300, they can cause breathing problems in individuals exposed for long periods. Readings above 400 can affect even healthy individuals and have serious effects on vulnerable groups such as minors, the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions.

Annual Pollution Issue in Northern India

Air quality deterioration is a regular problem that Delhi and several additional regions of northern India face every winter.

The pollution worsens due to reduced air movement, traffic pollution and stubble burning in neighbouring regions.

And the widespread ignition of festive pyrotechnics throughout the festival worsens the condition. Although there has been a prohibition on firecrackers for the previous half-decade, implementation on the ground has remained weak.

Citizens often complain of the air being too hazardous to inhale on the morning after Diwali.

Specialists believe that currently we might witness pollution levels deteriorate, particularly now that people are permitted to set off green crackers.

Judicial Directives and Public Reaction

In the recent ruling, the Supreme Court has also provided a set of specific instructions on when and how these crackers could be sold and used.

The court said the distribution would be allowed from Saturday and the start of the week from licensed shops and the pyrotechnics could only be set off in specified areas. The judicial body set a three-hour window for its use, 60 minutes in the early hours and 120 minutes at evening.

The ruling has generated mixed reactions on social media.

A number of have supported the decision, stating it allows them to completely celebrate the traditional occasion.

Opponents, however, argue that implementation of pyrotechnic rules has already been ineffective and permitting them could additionally worsen the capital's pollution levels.

Government Actions to Address Pollution

In the meantime, in an effort to tackle increasing pollution levels, the local administration on Tuesday implemented the pollution control strategy which bans all practices involving the utilization of solid fuels, as well as the operation of backup power sources for non-emergency services.