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The nation's top court has authorized the sale and use of firecrackers considered more environmentally friendly for the upcoming Diwali period, while air quality readings in the national capital Delhi reach the severe range.

Pyrotechnics have been banned in Delhi starting from 2020, as they substantially worsen the annual air pollution crisis the metropolis experiences.

The termed eco-friendly firecrackers, that the court approved on Wednesday, are engineered to emit 20-30% less harmful substances than conventional versions and generate minimal residue, according to their makers.

However skeptics argue that even though reduced-risk, they still discharge dangerous particles into the atmosphere and adversely affect air quality.

Severe Air Quality Readings Observed in Delhi

The top court's decision came on a day when air quality in Delhi were significantly above the recommended limits suggested by the global health body.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's data, most areas of the city on that day morning registered PM2.5 concentrations – minute particulate matter in the atmosphere – ranging from 300 and 400.

These fine particles are extremely hazardous – they can enter deep into the respiratory system and pose serious health risks. In some of the most affected regions, the readings crossed the 400 threshold.

The official pollution index, when these readings cross 300, they can lead to respiratory illnesses in individuals subjected for extended durations. Readings exceeding 400 can impact even healthy individuals and have serious effects on at-risk populations such as children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions.

Annual Environmental Issue in Delhi

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

The pollution worsens due to low wind speed, vehicular emissions and stubble burning in adjacent regions.

And the extensive bursting of celebratory firecrackers throughout the festival worsens the condition. Even though there has been a prohibition on pyrotechnics for the previous half-decade, enforcement on the local level has been inadequate.

Residents often report of the atmosphere being extremely dangerous to breathe on the day after Diwali.

Specialists state that currently we might see pollution levels worsen, especially now that people are allowed to ignite eco-friendly firecrackers.

Judicial Directives and Social Reaction

In the recent order, the top court has additionally provided a list of detailed instructions on when and how these crackers could be sold and used.

The judiciary declared the sale would be permitted between the weekend and the start of the week from authorised shops and the firecrackers could only be set off in designated zones. The judicial body fixed a three-hour timeframe for its use, 60 minutes in the early hours and 120 minutes at evening.

The ruling has generated varied reactions on online platforms.

Some have supported the move, stating it enables them to completely celebrate the traditional occasion.

Critics, however, contend that enforcement of firecracker regulations has previously been weak and permitting them could additionally worsen the capital's air quality.

Government Measures to Combat Pollution

Meanwhile, in an effort to combat rising pollution levels, the local administration on Tuesday enforced the GRAP which prohibits all practices involving the use of solid fuels, as well as the use of backup power sources for non-emergency services.