Mumbai pollution: High Court calls for panel on phasing out diesel vehicles

The Bombay High Court, to combat air pollution in Mumbai, suggested a comprehensive study to assess the feasibility of phasing out diesel and petrol-diesel vehicles in favour of those powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electricity.

In Short

• Court suggests study on phasing out diesel vehicles for CNG/electric
• Maharashtra government to form expert committee for vehicular emission solutions
• Court to study progress of report during next hearing on February 13

The Bombay High Court has taken a proactive stance on Mumbai's worsening air quality, initiating a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to address the city's escalating pollution crisis.

The court has suggested a comprehensive study to assess the feasibility of phasing out diesel and petrol-diesel vehicles in favour of those powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electricity.

A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice GS Kulkarni directed the Maharashtra government to form a committee of experts, civil administrators, and traffic management authorities to undertake the study.

This move underscores the court's focus on finding long-term solutions to vehicular emissions, which are a significant contributor to the city's air pollution.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the laxity of state and municipal authorities in adhering to previous directives, the court highlighted the alarming levels of air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, construction activities, and industrial operations. It emphasised that a clean and pollution-free environment is a fundamental right protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.

To tackle industrial pollution, the court ordered the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to expedite a delayed third-party audit of high-pollution "red-category" industries.

This audit must now be completed within two months. Furthermore, the state government has been instructed to approve a staffing proposal for 1,310 additional MPCB posts within four weeks to enhance the agency's monitoring capacity.

Recognising vehicular emissions as a critical issue, the court called for better traffic management, particularly on the city's main thoroughfares, such as the Western and Eastern Express Highways.

Municipal authorities have been tasked with implementing measures like water sprinklers at construction sites and enforcing strict pollution control norms to minimise dust pollution.

Small and medium industries, which often operate with inadequate pollution control measures, have been directed to comply with stringent regulations or face severe consequences, including potential shutdowns.

Bakeries and similar establishments relying on wood and coal have been given six months to transition to greener fuels like CNG. Future licences for such units will only be granted if they adhere to green fuel standards.

The court's directives aim to mitigate health risks for the over 21 million residents of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and address the region's pressing environmental challenges. With a firm warning against further inaction, the court will monitor the progress of these measures in the next hearing, scheduled for February 13, 2025.