The Bombay High Court criticized the dependence on natural factors like wind to solve Mumbai’s air pollution problem. The court told the civic body and state government, “We cannot rely on winds; we need to find solutions ourselves.” It stressed the importance of taking real and effective steps to improve the city’s air quality. The court urged the authorities to act quickly and not wait for weather changes to clear the pollution.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court expressed its concerns regarding the escalating air pollution levels in Mumbai and its surroundings, linking it to ineffective traffic management.
The bench remarked,
“Innocent citizens cannot be victims of air pollution and helplessly suffer due to the authorities’ inaction in implementing timely and effective measures.”
Read Also: Bombay High Court Advocates for Preventive Measures Against Air Pollution in Mumbai
This statement made by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar while hearing a suo moto Public Interest Litigation prompted by various news reports.
The bench noted,
“For the last 15-20 days, we have been facing a very serious and alarming problem in this city. Unless we pass orders, nothing happens. Immediate action should have been taken to issue advisories. All this starts from the Diwali season.”
The court criticized the current traffic situation, stating that despite the presence of large bridges and the coastal road, travel times from Bandra to Borivali remain excessive, taking up to an hour and a half.
They also pointed out that visibility from Marine Drive was severely impacted,
“From Marine Drive, we could not see the other side of the sea. We cannot always rely on the almighty blessing of the winds; we need to find solutions ourselves. This is an emergency situation. If we do not address the current issues, the future is uncertain.”
In light of these remarks, the bench requested a compliance affidavit from civic authorities and instructed them to activate sprinklers throughout the day to mitigate dust and pollution.
The matter scheduled for further hearing on January 9.
Mumbai, India’s financial hub, struggles with serious air pollution due to rapid urban growth, heavy traffic, industrial emissions, and construction dust. The air quality often becomes unhealthy, especially in winter, when weather traps pollutants near the ground.
Major sources of pollution include vehicle emissions from high traffic and old vehicles, dust from constant construction projects, smoke and chemicals from industries in areas like Navi Mumbai and Thane, and toxic fumes from burning waste like plastics.
The city’s coastal humidity also worsens air quality. This pollution causes serious health issues such as asthma, bronchitis, heart problems, and reduced lung function, especially affecting children and the elderly.
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