The Bombay High Court has modified its November 6 order regarding the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali in Mumbai, citing concerns over the city’s deteriorating air quality. The court has now restricted the time for bursting firecrackers to a two-hour window, from 8 pm to 10 pm.
The decision, delivered by a division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice G S Kulkarni, underscores the critical need to address the air pollution situation in the city. The court expressed its apprehensions, urging citizens to consider the declining air quality seriously.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Upadhyaya remarked, “Let’s not become Delhi. Let’s remain Mumbaikars.” The court noted a reduction in the bursting of firecrackers in Mumbai but identified critical areas with poor air quality index (AQI). The bench emphasized the need for immediate and drastic measures to address the emergent situation.
“We are in an emergent and drastic situation. A lot of efforts have been taken, but maybe something more needs to be done,” the court stated.
The court also upheld its earlier directive of November 6, banning the entry of vehicles transporting debris in the city while permitting covered vehicles carrying construction materials. These restrictions will remain in force until November 19, after which municipal corporations will decide whether vehicles carrying debris should be allowed based on the AQI.
In addition, the court highlighted the importance of understanding the sources of pollution, calling for a comprehensive study by experts. “Is there any study as to what is the nature of this pollution…is it only dust or is there any chemical component in it? Because we are seeing many hospitals flooded with patients with respiratory illness,” the court remarked.
The High Court emphasized that the issue of air pollution requires continuous monitoring and a committee of experts. It added a retired bureaucrat as the third member to a committee formed on November 6, comprising environmental and air pollution experts. The committee will receive daily reports from all municipal corporations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and submit a weekly report to the court.
The court will resume the hearing on December 11 to further address the rising air pollution concerns in Mumbai.
Sources By Agencies
