Bombay High Court Pushes for Cleaner Air in Mumbai
The Bombay High Court has instructed the Maharashtra government to establish a panel to evaluate the possibility of phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles from Mumbai’s roads. This step comes in response to concerns about the city’s deteriorating air quality, with vehicular pollution identified as a major contributor.
Court’s Directive
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Girish Kulkarni issued the directive during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by the court in 2023 to address Mumbai’s poor Air Quality Index (AQI).
The court highlighted the alarming density of vehicles choking the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s roads, exacerbating air pollution. It directed the Maharashtra government to form a committee of experts and civil administrators within two weeks. This committee will study the feasibility of transitioning from diesel and petrol vehicles to cleaner alternatives like CNG and electric vehicles (EVs).
Study Timeline and Reporting
The panel has been instructed to complete its study and submit a detailed report within three months. The report will determine whether phasing out traditional fuel vehicles is a practical and effective solution to curb Mumbai’s worsening air pollution.
Additional Measures to Combat Pollution
The court also addressed other contributors to air pollution, emphasizing urgent measures:
- City Bakeries: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) have been directed to ensure that bakeries using wood and coal switch to gas or green fuels within six months, reducing the previous one-year deadline. No new licenses for bakeries using coal or wood will be issued, with future approvals requiring compliance with green fuel standards.
- Construction Pollution: The court ordered the installation of pollution indicators at construction sites to monitor and mitigate the release of particulate matter.
Court’s Observations
The bench underscored the necessity of proactive steps, stating, “Mumbai’s roads are overwhelmed with vehicles, and this significantly contributes to air pollution, making current mitigation efforts insufficient.” It added that an expert-backed study is crucial to decide the viability of transitioning away from diesel and petrol vehicles.
Next Steps
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on February 13, with expectations that the government and other stakeholders will present progress updates.
A Push Towards Cleaner Alternatives
The High Court’s directives signal a strong push for sustainable and eco-friendly practices to combat air pollution in Mumbai. Transitioning to cleaner fuel sources like CNG and electricity could mark a significant step in improving the city’s AQI and public health.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Channel 6 Network.
