Has the Bombay HC Formed a 5-Member Team to Combat Mumbai's Air Pollution?
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Key Takeaways
- The Bombay High Court has formed a five-member team to investigate air pollution in Mumbai.
- The team will assess compliance with pollution control guidelines at construction sites.
- A report is due by December 15, outlining findings and actions taken.
- Concerns include 1,000 construction sites and vehicle emissions.
- The Health Department will issue a health advisory to raise public awareness.
Mumbai, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Bombay High Court has set up a five-member panel, which includes representatives from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), civil society, and the state's pollution control boards, to tackle the alarming levels of air pollution in Mumbai, particularly attributed to allegedly unregulated construction activities.
A bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad instructed the panel to inspect a designated area of Mumbai and provide a report by December 15 regarding the adherence to air pollution control guidelines at construction sites.
During the session, Chief Justice Chandrashekhar remarked that enhancing Mumbai's air quality could be a lengthy process.
He referenced the struggles of Delhi, which has been grappling with pollution for over 15 years, highlighting the difficulties faced by officials in the capital.
The newly appointed five-member team will consist of a BMC official, a representative from the Health Department, a member from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and two civil society representatives, whose names were proposed by attorneys present in court.
The bench was reviewing petitions that pointed out the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai.
The court also instructed the BMC and MPCB to submit a detailed report by December 15, outlining the actions taken in the past year to mitigate air pollution.
Advocate Darius Khambata, appointed by the court, mentioned that guidelines are already established, and the challenge lies in the enforcement by authorities.
He stressed that there are approximately 1,000 construction sites in Mumbai, with most failing to comply with the established guidelines.
Vehicle emissions were cited as another significant concern.
However, the bench stated, "Pollution from vehicles can be managed effectively, and it is common knowledge what occurs on the roads. We do not wish to issue an order that would empower them to impose fines or seize vehicles, as we do not want citizens to be harassed by such directives."
Advocate Janak Dwarkadas, representing a non-governmental organization, noted that during his walks near the Chief Justice's residence, he observed a lack of compliance at three construction sites in Walkeshwar.
The bench expressed the need for a team to survey areas of pollution.
Milind Sathe, the attorney for the BMC, pointed out that the corporation has 94 special teams dedicated to inspecting construction sites.
The bench has mandated that data regarding the work done by these teams over the past year be preserved for public scrutiny and requested information about the installation of CCTV and sensor boards at construction sites.
Furthermore, the bench directed the Health Department to issue a health advisory prior to autumn as part of an awareness campaign to safeguard the public from air pollution.
The High Court also suggested that the Maharashtra government supply free masks to individuals at railway stations and bus stops.
Point of View
The establishment of a five-member panel by the Bombay High Court to tackle air pollution represents a significant step towards addressing environmental concerns in urban areas. As construction activities surge, it is imperative that regulatory guidelines are followed diligently to ensure the health and well-being of the population. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for collaborative efforts among government bodies and civil society to combat pollution effectively.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the five-member panel formed by the Bombay High Court?
The panel is tasked with investigating air pollution in Mumbai, particularly focusing on compliance with pollution control guidelines at construction sites.
When is the report from the panel due?
The panel is required to submit its report by December 15.
What concerns are highlighted regarding air pollution in Mumbai?
Concerns include unregulated construction activities and vehicle emissions contributing to the city's worsening air quality.
Who will be included in the five-member panel?
The panel will consist of BMC officials, members of the Health Department, representatives from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and civil society members.
What actions is the BMC taking to combat air pollution?
The BMC has 94 special squads dedicated to inspecting construction sites to ensure compliance with pollution control guidelines.
