India's Supreme Court permitted the use of environmentally friendlier fireworks in Delhi during Diwali weekend, allowing three-hour usage windows on Saturday and Sunday to balance religious tradition with air quality concerns. The court cited Diwali's emotional connotations, permitting green fireworks that burn faster and emit fewer chemicals. However, environmental activists remain skeptical, calling the measure a "green wash" with no real enforcement.
Vimlendu Jha, an environmentalist based in New Delhi, noted past court orders failed due to lack of government will. The court's attempt to reconcile public health with religious expression faces challenges as air quality deteriorates due to unfavorable weather and crop fires. The government's Commission for Air Quality Management declared the pollution spike a serious concern, enacting preventive measures including halting demolition work and encouraging remote work.
With over 2,700 farm fires reported in Punjab and vehicle emissions as the primary pollutant, Delhi's air quality remains among the world's most polluted despite the limited firework permissions.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing