India top court permits less-polluting crackers

(MENAFN) India’s Supreme Court has approved the limited use and sale of so-called “green” firecrackers during the Diwali festival, despite worsening pollution levels in the capital, Delhi.

Firecrackers have been banned in Delhi since 2020 due to their major contribution to the city’s annual air pollution crisis. The newly permitted versions are marketed as less polluting, said to release 20–30% fewer emissions and produce minimal ash.

However, environmental experts have cautioned that even these modified crackers still emit harmful toxins that further degrade already hazardous air conditions.

The court’s decision was announced as Delhi’s air quality reached levels up to 30 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended safety limit.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the concentration of PM2.5 particles — tiny pollutants that can penetrate deep into the lungs — ranged between 300 and 400 micrograms per cubic meter across most of the city on Wednesday. In some neighborhoods, readings exceeded 400, posing severe health threats even to healthy individuals.

India’s Air Quality Index categorizes levels above 300 as capable of causing respiratory problems with prolonged exposure, while readings beyond 400 can trigger health issues in children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions.

Every winter, Delhi and much of northern India experience a recurring pollution crisis driven by stagnant winds, vehicle emissions, and widespread crop stubble burning in nearby states. The lighting of fireworks during Diwali typically pushes pollution to its peak, with residents often waking up the next morning to a thick, suffocating haze.

Although traditional firecrackers have been banned for several years, weak enforcement has meant the rule is routinely ignored. Experts have warned that this year’s relaxation could make the situation worse, even with “green” alternatives.

As reported by legal news outlets, the Supreme Court outlined strict conditions for the use of these firecrackers. Sales will be permitted only between Saturday and Monday from authorized vendors, and fireworks can be set off solely in designated areas during a three-hour window — one hour in the morning and two hours at night.

The ruling has prompted mixed reactions across social media. Supporters say it allows for proper religious celebrations during Diwali, while critics fear it could further deteriorate Delhi’s already toxic air.

In response to the worsening pollution, the Delhi government has activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), banning the use of coal, firewood, and diesel generators for non-essential purposes in an attempt to curb emissions.

Despite these efforts, environmental groups warn that unless stricter enforcement and broader pollution control measures are implemented, Delhi’s post-Diwali air could once again reach dangerous, life-threatening levels.

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