🔗 Share this article

The nation's top judicial body has approved the distribution and ignition of crackers considered lower-emission for the forthcoming festive period, while pollution readings in capital Delhi reach the very poor range.

Pyrotechnics have been prohibited in Delhi starting from 2020, because they substantially contribute to the annual environmental emergency the city faces.

The so-called environmentally safe pyrotechnics, which the judiciary permitted on this week, are engineered to release 20-30% fewer harmful substances than traditional ones and generate very little ash, as stated by their producers.

Yet opponents argue that even though safer, they nonetheless discharge harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and negatively affect air quality.

Severe Air Quality Readings Observed in the Capital

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 World Health Organization.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's data, the majority of areas of the capital on that day morning registered PM2.5 levels – tiny particulate matter in the atmosphere – ranging from 300 and 400.

These fine particulates are extremely dangerous – they can enter deep into the respiratory system and pose significant health risks. In several of the worst-hit regions, the levels exceeded the 400-mark.

According to the government's AQI, when these levels exceed 300, they can lead to breathing problems 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 elderly and those with existing medical issues.

Recurring Environmental Crisis in Delhi

Pollution is a annual crisis that Delhi and several other parts of the north experience every winter.

The pollution deteriorates due to low air movement, vehicular emissions and stubble burning in neighbouring regions.

And the widespread ignition of celebratory pyrotechnics during Diwali worsens the condition. Although there has been a ban on firecrackers for the past five years, enforcement on the ground has remained ineffective.

Citizens often report of the atmosphere being too dangerous to breathe on the day after the celebrations.

Specialists state that this year we might see air quality worsen, particularly since the public are permitted to ignite green crackers.

Court Guidelines and Social Response

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

The judiciary stated the distribution would be allowed between the weekend and Monday from authorised outlets and the firecrackers could only be set off in specified areas. The judicial body set a three-hour window for ignition, 60 minutes in the early hours and 120 minutes at night.

The decision has sparked varied responses on online platforms.

Some have welcomed the decision, stating it allows them to completely observe the religious occasion.

Opponents, however, contend that enforcement of firecracker rules has already been weak and allowing them could additionally deteriorate the city's pollution levels.

Government Actions to Address Pollution

Meanwhile, in an effort to tackle rising environmental degradation, the Delhi government on the previous day enforced the pollution control strategy which prohibits all practices involving the use of solid fuels, as well as the use of diesel generators for non-emergency services.