The Bombay High Court has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, proposing measures to combat the pollution crisis in the city. In its latest hearing on Thursday, the bench, comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice GS Kulkarni, suggested phasing out diesel vehicles and wood or coal-fired kilns used by bakeries. The court also questioned whether the city would continue to suffer from poor air quality each year, particularly after Diwali, or if there was a way forward.
The bench highlighted the need to encourage the use of cleaner fuels, including CNG and electric vehicles, as part of a broader effort to reduce air pollution. “Not to copy Delhi, but can we consider permitting only CNG-driven vehicles and phasing out diesel engines?” the bench asked during the hearing of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding Mumbai’s poor air quality. The PIL was filed in 2023, and it has been regularly heard as the city’s pollution worsens.
Senior advocate Darius Khambatta, serving as Amicus Curiae in the case, pointed out that bakery kilns or ‘bhattis’ are the third-largest contributors to Mumbai’s air pollution, following construction sites and red-category industries. These small-scale bakeries use wood or coal for baking, emitting harmful pollutants into the air. The court raised questions about the environmental impact of these traditional methods, with one suggestion being to ban wood and coal in new bakeries.
“Can the Corporation suggest banning the use of wood or coal for all bhattis in the city? Is there any statutory regulatory regime available for bhattis? Can we impose a condition that new licenses will only be issued if they discontinue the use of wood and coal?” the bench inquired.
In response, Milind Sathe, representing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), informed the court that notices had already been issued to bakeries still operating wood and coal-fired kilns, directing them to switch to sustainable alternatives within the year.
Additionally, the court urged the government to take stronger action against establishments failing to meet air pollution norms. Advocate General Birendra Saraf suggested that further measures could be taken if these bakeries continue violating environmental guidelines.
On the issue of vehicles, the court proposed a phased transition from diesel-driven vehicles to CNG or electric vehicles. It stressed that authorities must act urgently to address the ongoing pollution crisis, especially considering the recurring haze that blankets Mumbai every year post-Diwali. The bench questioned whether the authorities had implemented solutions or if citizens were simply resigned to the annual pollution.
“The situation is the same every year after Diwali. What is the solution? Or do we continue to see this haze every year?” the bench said, referring to the severe air quality deterioration in the city. It also recalled the previous year when the court had allowed a limited period for firecracker bursting during Diwali but observed that its orders had not been enforced effectively, as firecrackers were still being burst past midnight.
The court expressed disappointment that no proactive steps had been taken by the authorities, despite their awareness of the causes behind Mumbai’s declining air quality. The issue of construction pollution was also noted, with the court expressing dissatisfaction with the stance of the BMC, which claimed that a trade-off between development and clean air had to be made.
As Mumbai battles deteriorating air quality and haze, the Bombay High Court’s suggestions underscore the urgency for systemic change to protect the health and well-being of its citizens.
Sources By Agencies