As Delhi’s air quality plunges into the ‘very poor’ category, India’s Supreme Court has permitted the sale and use of ‘green firecrackers’ during the upcoming Diwali festival. These firecrackers, designed to emit 20-30% fewer pollutants and produce minimal ash, are seen as a compromise between tradition and environmental concerns. However, critics argue that even these less harmful alternatives release toxic substances, exacerbating the city’s already dire pollution levels. On Wednesday, Delhi’s air quality was 25-30 times worse than the World Health Organization’s safe limits, with PM2.5 levels in some areas exceeding 400, a threshold that poses severe health risks. The court’s decision, which includes strict guidelines on the sale and use of firecrackers, has sparked mixed reactions. While some welcome the opportunity to celebrate Diwali fully, others fear weak enforcement will worsen the pollution crisis. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat rising pollution, banning coal, firewood, and non-essential diesel generators. As winter approaches, Delhi faces its annual pollution battle, with Diwali’s firecrackers adding to the challenge.