Bombay High Court expressed alarm that Mumbai’s air pollution exceeds Delhi’s, directing MPCB and civic bodies to enforce anti-pollution measures during festivals.
Bombay HC on Mumbai's Air Pollution Crisis
The Bombay High Court expressed shock that Mumbai, a coastal city with natural ventilation, is surpassing Delhi in air pollution levels, particularly during festival seasons. A bench of Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale issued strong directions to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), civic authorities, and police to strictly implement prior orders curbing air and noise pollution.
The court emphasized that despite multiple directives, enforcement remains lax, especially concerning unauthorized firecrackers, construction dust, and vehicular emissions. The bench recalled earlier orders mandating monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and penalties for violations, particularly during Diwali and other festivals.
Implications for Regulatory Compliance
"It is shocking that Mumbai is surpassing Delhi in pollution,"the Court observed, underscoring the need for inter-agency coordination. The MPCB was directed to file compliance reports and intensify surveillance. Practitioners expect increased public interest litigation in environmental enforcement, with courts likely to use coercive contempt powers if agencies fail to act.
Citations
- In re: Noise and Environmental Pollution
