Mumbai's Pollution Problem: State Shifts To Electric & CNG Vehicles; What’s Next For Petrol & Diesel Cars?

The Maharashtra government is exploring a potential ban on petrol and diesel vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to address rising pollution levels, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. A committee has been established to examine the feasibility of phasing out these vehicles and permitting only CNG-based and electric vehicles on the region's roads. The transport department issued an order on Wednesday to formalise this move.

Mumbai's air pollution has become a serious concern for residents and the government. Despite previous efforts to tackle the issue, pollution levels remain high. On January 9, the Bombay High Court took notice of the situation and directed the state government to form a panel of experts and administrators to evaluate whether banning petrol and diesel vehicles could be an effective solution.

Following the court's directive, the state transport department issued a resolution to set up a seven-member committee. This group is led by retired bureaucrat Sudhir Kumar Srivastava and includes representatives from the transport department, police, Mahanagar Gas Limited, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. The committee is expected to deliver its findings and recommendations within three months.

In December 2024, many parts of Mumbai recorded poor air quality, with most areas falling in the higher end of the Moderate or Poor categories on the Air Quality Index. The high court highlighted that vehicular emissions were a significant contributor to the city's deteriorating air quality and stressed the urgency of implementing strict measures to curb pollution.

The government's initiative could lead to a major shift in Mumbai's transportation system, aiming for a cleaner and more sustainable future.