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India's top judicial body has authorized the sale and use of firecrackers considered more environmentally friendly during the forthcoming Diwali period, even as air quality levels in capital Delhi enter the very poor category.

Firecrackers have been banned in Delhi starting from 2020, as they substantially worsen the yearly air pollution crisis the city experiences.

The termed green crackers, which the judiciary permitted on this week, are engineered to release twenty to thirty percent less pollutants than traditional ones and produce very little ash, according to their producers.

However skeptics contend that even though less harmful, they still discharge dangerous particles into the atmosphere and negatively affect the environment.

Critical Pollution Levels Observed in the Capital

The Supreme Court's ruling was issued on a day when air quality in Delhi were 25-to-30 times above the recommended limits suggested by the global health body.

Based on the national pollution agency's data, most areas of the city on Wednesday morning recorded PM2.5 concentrations – tiny particles in the atmosphere – between 300 and 400.

These fine particulates are extremely dangerous – they can penetrate far into the lungs and pose significant health risks. In some of the most affected regions, the levels exceeded the 400-mark.

According to the government's AQI, when these levels exceed 300, they can cause lung diseases in individuals subjected for extended durations. Readings above 400 can affect even those in good health and have severe impacts on vulnerable groups such as children, the aged and those with existing health conditions.

Recurring Pollution Issue in Northern India

Air quality deterioration is a annual problem that Delhi and many other parts of northern India experience every cold season.

The air quality worsens due to low wind speed, traffic pollution and crop residue fires in adjacent states.

And the extensive ignition of celebratory firecrackers throughout the festival exacerbates the condition. Although there has been a ban on pyrotechnics for the previous half-decade, implementation on the ground has remained inadequate.

Residents often complain of the air being extremely hazardous to inhale on the morning after Diwali.

Specialists say that currently we might see pollution levels worsen, particularly since the public are allowed to use green crackers.

Judicial Guidelines and Social Reaction

In Wednesday's ruling, the Supreme Court has additionally provided a set of specific guidelines on the timing and manner these firecrackers could be sold and used.

The judiciary declared the distribution would be permitted from Saturday and Monday from authorised shops and the pyrotechnics could only be ignited in specified areas. The court fixed a limited timeframe for ignition, one hour in the morning and 120 minutes at evening.

The decision has sparked varied responses on online platforms.

A number of have supported the decision, stating it allows them to fully observe the traditional festival.

Others, on the other hand, contend that enforcement of firecracker regulations has already been ineffective and allowing them could further deteriorate the capital's air quality.

Government Actions to Combat Pollution

Meanwhile, in an attempt to tackle rising environmental degradation, the local administration on Tuesday enforced the GRAP which bans all activities involving the utilization of coal and firewood, as well as the operation of backup power sources for non-emergency purposes.