Firecrackers smuggled in from outside Delhi NCR during Diwali cause more damage than green crackers, the Supreme Court said today, while allowing the bursting of green crackers in Delhi between October 18 and 21. "Since firecrackers are smuggled in, they cause more damage than green firecrackers. We have to take a balanced approach, permitting it in moderation while not compromising with the environment," Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said.
Firecrackers that emit lower emissions due to lower use of raw materials and dust suppressants are referred to as green crackers. Experts, however, say they still release harmful ultrafine particles and gases. The court termed this a "temporary measure" and said no firecrackers from outside the NCR region will be allowed. Pollution control bodies were directed to monitor the region's Air Quality Index during this time and file a report.
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The PM2.5 assessment for 2025 ranks Byrnihat (Assam), Delhi, and Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) as India's top three most polluted cities with annual concentrations of 100 g/m, 96 g/m, and 93 g/m, respectively.
A study by Jawaharlal Nehru University finds that Delhi's polluted winter air carries high levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria or superbugs far above safe limits, posing public health risks, especially for vulnerable groups and those with chronic
The Commission for Air Quality Management or CAQM, was strongly reprimanded by the Supreme Court today, which said the pollution body was not taking the issues raised by the court seriously.
Bronchial asthma often worsens in winter due to cold air, pollution and infections.
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