India, Oct. 19 -- With pollution levels in the national capital already on the rise, the debate over the use of firecrackers during Diwali has ignited once again. After several years of an extensive ban, the Supreme Court has lifted restrictions on the bursting of firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR)-but only for green crackers. The relaxation, however, comes with stringent conditions and is allowed strictly on a "test case basis," subject to close enforcement and environmental monitoring.

The court's decision has sparked relief among traders and residents, many of whom see it as the first major relaxation in years. For this Diwali, green crackers can be used only between 6 am and 7 am, and 8 pm and 10 pm-both on the eve o...