Mumbai Diesel Vehicles May Face Ban: Bombay High Court Proposes Phasing Out To Combat Air Pollution

Amid the worsening air quality in Mumbai, the Bombay High Court on Thursday reportedly proposed the gradual phasing out of diesel vehicles to tackle the city's air pollution crisis, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The court expressed concerns over the persistent haze observed every year, particularly after Diwali, questioning whether a solution could be found or if citizens must continue enduring such conditions annually.

A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice GS Kulkarni emphasised the need for adopting cleaner alternatives, such as CNG and electric vehicles, to curb the city's deteriorating air quality. According to The Bar and Bench, the bench asked, "Not to copy Delhi, but can we consider permitting only CNG-driven vehicles and phasing out diesel engines?"

The observation was made during the hearing of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2023 regarding Mumbai's poor air quality. Senior advocate Darius Khambatta, serving as the Amicus Curiae in the case, highlighted the major contributors to air pollution in the city. He stated that construction activities, red-category industries, and bakery 'bhattis' are the leading sources of pollution. Notably, bakery 'bhattis' were identified as the third-largest contributors to air pollution in Mumbai.

Referring to the persistent haze following Diwali, the court noted the repetitive nature of the issue. "What is the solution in such situations? All this starts every year after Diwali. Broadly, we know the problems and the causes... so now what is the solution? Or do we continue to see this haze every year all over Mumbai? There is such low visibility on some days," PTI quoted the bench as saying.

The court expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of its 2023 directive, which allowed the bursting of firecrackers only for limited hours during Diwali. It noted that despite the order, firecrackers were seen being burst late into the night, sometimes until 1 am. The bench criticised the authorities for failing to enforce its directive, adding, "The implementing agencies did not follow our orders at all."

The court also rebuked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for suggesting that a choice had to be made between development and clean air. The bench stated it was "sorry to note" the absence of proactive measures by the authorities to address the pressing issue of air pollution in the city.

The High Court's remarks come as Mumbai grapples with rising pollution levels, bringing renewed focus to the urgent need for comprehensive and effective measures to ensure cleaner air for its citizens.