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India's highest judicial body has given the green light the sale and use of crackers deemed more environmentally friendly for the upcoming festive season, while pollution levels in capital Delhi enter the hazardous category.

Firecrackers have been banned in Delhi starting from 2020, as they greatly worsen the yearly pollution problem the metropolis experiences.

The termed environmentally safe pyrotechnics, which the court approved on Wednesday, are engineered to release twenty to thirty percent fewer pollutants than traditional versions and generate minimal residue, according to their manufacturers.

But opponents argue that although reduced-risk, they still release harmful chemicals into the air and adversely affect air quality.

Severe Pollution Levels Observed in the Capital

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

Based on the Central Pollution Control Board's website, most parts of the capital on that day early hours registered PM2.5 concentrations – minute particulate matter in the atmosphere – ranging from 300 and 400.

These fine particles are extremely hazardous – they can enter far into the respiratory system and present serious health risks. In several of the most affected regions, the levels crossed the 400 threshold.

According to the government's pollution index, when these readings cross 300, they can lead to respiratory illnesses in people subjected for long periods. Readings above 400 can impact even those in good health and have serious effects on at-risk populations such as minors, the elderly and those with existing health conditions.

Annual Pollution Crisis in Northern India

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

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

And the extensive ignition of celebratory pyrotechnics throughout Diwali exacerbates the situation. Although there has been a prohibition on pyrotechnics for the past five years, enforcement on the local level has been weak.

Citizens often complain of the air being extremely toxic to inhale on the day after Diwali.

Specialists believe that this year we might see pollution levels worsen, particularly now that the public are permitted to ignite green crackers.

Judicial Directives and Public Response

In Wednesday's order, the top court has additionally provided a list of specific guidelines on the timing and manner these firecrackers could be sold and used.

The court said the distribution would be allowed between Saturday and Monday from authorised outlets and the firecrackers could only be ignited in designated areas. The court fixed a three-hour window for its use, one hour in the early hours and two hours at evening.

The decision has generated mixed reactions on social media.

Some have welcomed the decision, stating it allows them to fully celebrate the religious festival.

Others, on the other hand, argue that enforcement of firecracker regulations has already been weak and permitting them could additionally worsen the capital's air quality.

Official Actions to Address Pollution

Meanwhile, in an attempt to tackle increasing pollution levels, the Delhi government on Tuesday implemented the pollution control strategy which bans all activities involving the use of solid fuels, as well as the operation of diesel generators for non-essential purposes.