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As Tuesday dawned residents of the planet's dirtiest urban center found themselves inhaling dangerously toxic air that was classified as the "severe" range.

Extremely High Pollution Levels

Several parts of Delhi registered an air quality index above 500, which represents ten times the safe threshold established by the WHO.

In some locations, levels of toxic particulate matter hit highs of 1,800, equating to fifteen to twenty times above acceptable standards.

Fireworks Prohibition and New Changes

For the past four years, the government had implemented a total prohibition on the distribution and bursting of pyrotechnics during celebrations due to their major role to the hazardous haze that engulfs the capital as colder weather begins.

Nevertheless in recent months, the recently formed local administration approached the judicial authority to propose a modification of the restrictions.

The suggestion was allowing "environmentally conscious pyrotechnics" – historically questioned by environmental experts as being only roughly 30 percent less polluting – as a balance between "tradition and environment".

Court Ruling and Enforcement

To the disappointment of medical and ecological campaigners, the court agreed to the appeal, stipulating that eco-friendly pyrotechnics could be used during limited hours throughout the celebrations.

On Monday night, there was widespread disregard of the time restrictions across the metropolis, with little monitoring regarding whether the fireworks being used were actually the supposedly greener variety.

Numerous air quality sensors throughout the capital registered pollution reaching highest levels around midnight to some of the worst measurements observed during celebrations in at least three years.

Cross-Border Implications

The widespread use of pyrotechnics during the festival also initiated a controversy with bordering Pakistan, with authorities in Pakistani Punjab pointing to worsening pollution levels in their urban centers on hazardous particles traveling from across the border following the events.

Chronic Pollution Crisis

The dangerously high readings of atmospheric toxins in the capital have remained as a major challenge for over a decade and a half, with the condition continuing to worsen.

Near the festival period, the levels of toxic airborne contaminants in the environment has been documented to spike to 70% higher the peak levels ever measured in Beijing, which was previously considered as the globally most contaminated city.

Multiple Pollution Contributors

The problem in Delhi is attributed to a combination of multiple factors including automobile exhaust, construction debris, development work, garbage fires and smoke from farm burning in nearby areas of neighboring agricultural zones.

Throughout these areas, farmers illegally burn crop residue to prepare for next season, creating hazardous pollution that remains stagnant over the capital as cooler air sets in.

Health and Financial Toll

Public health and economic impact on the nearly 33 million inhabitants living in the Delhi area is significant, according to various investigations.

The contaminated air results in increased incidence of neurological, heart and circulatory and lung disorders, and can potentially cause oncological diseases.

Air quality crisis is estimated to be causing 10,000 untimely fatalities annually in the city.