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India's highest judicial body has authorized the sale and use of firecrackers considered lower-emission during the upcoming festive season, while air quality readings in capital Delhi enter the severe category.

Firecrackers have been prohibited in Delhi since 2020, because they greatly contribute to the yearly air pollution crisis the metropolis experiences.

The so-called environmentally safe pyrotechnics, which the judiciary approved on this week, are designed to emit twenty to thirty percent fewer harmful substances than conventional versions and produce minimal ash, according to their manufacturers.

But opponents assert that although reduced-risk, they still emit harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and negatively affect the environment.

Critical Pollution Levels Recorded in Delhi

The Supreme Court's ruling came on a day when air quality in Delhi were 25-to-30 times above the safe limits suggested by the WHO.

According to the national pollution agency's website, most areas of the capital on Wednesday morning recorded PM2.5 levels – minute particulate matter in the atmosphere – between 300 and 400.

These small particulates are extremely risky – they can penetrate far into the respiratory system and present serious health risks. In several of the most affected regions, the readings crossed the 400 threshold.

According to the official pollution index, when these readings cross 300, they can lead to respiratory illnesses in individuals subjected for long periods. Readings exceeding 400 can impact even healthy individuals and have severe effects on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions.

Recurring Environmental Issue in Delhi

Pollution is a regular crisis that Delhi and many other regions of northern India experience every cold season.

The air quality worsens due to reduced air movement, vehicular emissions and crop residue fires in neighbouring regions.

And the extensive ignition of festive pyrotechnics during Diwali exacerbates the condition. Even though there has been a ban on pyrotechnics for the past five years, implementation on the ground has remained weak.

Residents often report of the air being extremely dangerous to breathe on the day after the celebrations.

Experts state that currently we might witness pollution levels worsen, especially now that people are permitted to use eco-friendly firecrackers.

Court Directives and Social Response

In the recent order, the Supreme Court has also issued a list of detailed guidelines on when and how these crackers could be sold and used.

The court said the sale would be permitted from Saturday and the start of the week from licensed shops and the firecrackers could only be set off in specified zones. The judicial body set a three-hour timeframe for its use, one hour in the early hours and 120 minutes at evening.

The decision has generated mixed responses on social media.

Some have welcomed the move, saying it allows them to fully observe the traditional festival.

Opponents, however, contend that implementation of pyrotechnic regulations has previously been weak and allowing them could additionally deteriorate the city's air quality.

Government Measures to Combat Pollution

Meanwhile, in an effort to tackle increasing environmental degradation, the local administration on Tuesday implemented the pollution control strategy which bans all activities involving the use of coal and firewood, as well as the use of diesel generators for non-essential purposes.