Bombay HC Considers Phasing Out Diesel Vehicles in Mumbai, Proposes Shift to Electric or CNG
The Bombay High Court has called for drastic measures to curb the growing air pollution in Mumbai, suggesting that the city could explore the possibility of permitting only electric or CNG vehicles in the future, with the gradual phasing out of diesel-powered vehicles. This comes in the wake of alarming pollution levels, which the court described as requiring urgent and aggressive action. In a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) based on reports like “Death by Breath” from The Indian Express, the court expressed concerns about the city’s worsening air quality, especially in areas such as Ulhasnagar in Thane, which has been plagued by excessive smoke emissions from furnaces, or ‘bhattis’ used in bakeries and small gatherings for cooking food.
Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Girish S Kulkarni, who formed the special bench hearing the case, asked authorities whether it was possible to create a proposal that would ensure that no bhatti in Mumbai runs on coal or wood, and that all use green or alternate fuels, such as gas. Justice Upadhyaya further suggested that a shift towards CNG and electric vehicles could be a solution, citing the success of similar measures taken in Delhi. During the hearing, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) informed the court that it had issued notices to 287 bakeries, including the well-known Yazdani Bakery in Mumbai, instructing them to transition to cleaner fuels such as electricity or PNG. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also been working to ensure that bakeries and other sources of pollution adopt more sustainable practices.
The court raised questions about the effectiveness of previous measures, such as the restrictions on firecracker burning during Diwali, which were reportedly not implemented properly. The justices pointed out that despite restrictions, firecrackers continued to be set off late into the night, contributing to pollution. Justice Kulkarni further expressed frustration with the government’s response to pollution control measures, noting that efforts have not been sufficient to improve air quality from November to January. He also questioned why the MPCB has audited only 1,000 of over 7,000 high-polluting industries and emphasized the need for more significant action.
In addressing the city’s ongoing pollution crisis, the court is calling for a combination of stricter enforcement, transitions to cleaner technologies like electric and CNG vehicles, and the reduction of pollutive practices from industries and households alike. The case continues to unfold, with the court urging authorities to develop comprehensive strategies to combat the city’s air quality challenges, aiming for a cleaner, healthier future for Mumbai’s residents.
