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India's top judicial body has authorized the sale and use of firecrackers believed to be less polluting during the forthcoming festive season, while pollution levels in the national capital Delhi enter the very poor category.

Pyrotechnics have been prohibited in Delhi since 2020, because they substantially worsen the yearly air pollution crisis the metropolis faces.

The so-called environmentally safe pyrotechnics, which the judiciary approved on this week, are designed to emit 20-30% less pollutants than traditional ones and generate minimal residue, according to their manufacturers.

But critics assert that even though less harmful, they still release toxic substances into the atmosphere and negatively impact air quality.

Critical Air Quality Levels Observed in the Capital

The Supreme Court's ruling was issued on a occasion when pollution levels in Delhi were significantly worse than the safe levels advised by the World Health Organization.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's data, the majority of parts of the capital on Wednesday early hours registered PM2.5 concentrations – tiny particles in the air – between 300 and 400.

These small particulates are highly dangerous – they can penetrate far into the respiratory system and pose serious health risks. In some of the worst-hit regions, the levels exceeded the 400 threshold.

The official air quality index, when these levels cross 300, they can cause lung diseases in people exposed for extended durations. Levels above 400 can affect even those in good health and have severe impacts on at-risk populations such as minors, the aged and those with existing health conditions.

Annual Pollution Issue in Delhi

Pollution is a annual problem that Delhi and many additional parts of the north experience every cold season.

The air quality deteriorates due to low air movement, traffic pollution and crop residue fires in adjacent states.

And the extensive bursting of festive pyrotechnics throughout Diwali exacerbates the situation. Although there has been a prohibition on pyrotechnics for the previous half-decade, enforcement on the local level has been weak.

Citizens often report of the atmosphere being too dangerous to inhale on the morning after Diwali.

Specialists state that this year we might witness pollution levels deteriorate, particularly now that the public are allowed to ignite green crackers.

Court Directives and Social Response

In Wednesday's order, the top court has additionally issued a set of specific guidelines on the timing and manner these firecrackers could be distributed and ignited.

The court said the distribution would be permitted from the weekend and the start of the week from authorised shops and the pyrotechnics could only be ignited in designated areas. The judicial body set a limited window for ignition, one hour in the morning and 120 minutes at evening.

The ruling has generated mixed reactions on social media.

Some have welcomed the move, saying it allows them to completely celebrate the traditional festival.

Opponents, however, argue that implementation of pyrotechnic regulations has previously been weak and allowing them could further worsen the capital's air quality.

Government Actions to Address Pollution

Meanwhile, in an effort to combat rising environmental degradation, the Delhi government on the previous day enforced the pollution control strategy which bans all practices involving the use of coal and firewood, as well as the use of diesel generators for non-essential purposes.