8 months ago
Bombay HC Calls Out Inaction on Air Pollution
The Bombay High Court has noticed that the city's air pollution problem is not being handled properly.
The court has asked the top officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to come to court and explain why they are not doing enough to fix the issue.
A committee set up by the court checked 36 sites in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and found that most places are not following the rules to control pollution.
The court is worried because the air quality is getting worse, and people's health is at risk.
The court wants the officials to take urgent action to make sure the rules are followed and that the air quality is monitored properly.
The next hearing is on December 23.
Bombay High Court observes inaction by BMC in mitigating air pollution and summons officials to explain.
A committee inspected 36 sites and found incomplete or inconsistent compliance with pollution control requirements.
Sameer App shows significantly lower AQI readings compared to third-party applications, raising concerns about data accuracy.
The court notes that current mitigation measures are inadequate and deployed in a limited, ad-hoc, or cosmetic manner.
Demolition activities at Government Colony in Bandra (East) were found to be negligent and dangerously unregulated, posing immediate risks to public health and air quality.
- Who
- Bombay High Court, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Member-Secretary of MPCB, Committee appointed by the court, Amicus Curiae Darius Khambata, Petitioners
- What
- Bombay High Court observes inaction by BMC in mitigating air pollution and summons officials to explain
- Where
- Mumbai and Navi Mumbai
- When
- December 22, next hearing on December 23
- Why
- To address the alarming scenario of air pollution and ensure compliance with pollution control guidelines
Government and Authorities
Court and Petitioners
Compliance with Pollution Control Guidelines
Government and Authorities
Government and authorities claim to be taking steps to mitigate air pollution, such as using water sprinklers, fogging, and smog guns, albeit in a limited manner.
Court and Petitioners
The court and petitioners argue that there is a complete lack of monitoring and compliance with pollution control guidelines, with most sites showing absolute non-compliance.
Effectiveness of Mitigation Measures
Government and Authorities
The government maintains that the measures in place, such as the Sameer App for monitoring AQI, are effective and use higher-quality sensors.
Court and Petitioners
The court and petitioners contend that the current mitigation measures are inadequate and deployed in a limited, ad-hoc, or cosmetic manner, leading to poor air quality.
Key facts
- Location
- Mumbai and Navi Mumbai
- Sites Inspected
- 36 sites, including industrial units, construction sites, and infrastructure development activities
- Panel Members
- Three lawyers and Anita Patil, Conservator of Forests, Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- AQI Monitoring Discrepancy
- Sameer App shows significantly lower AQI readings compared to third-party applications
- Next Court Hearing
- December 23
- Key Observations
- Incomplete or inconsistent compliance with pollution control requirements, poorly maintained AQI monitoring stations, and negligent demolition activities
Timeline
Air monitors at Mumbai sites sparked court's pollution probe.
Then, garbage dumping fears fueled court's construction check.
Inspectors found Kanjurmarg dump's stench unmissable.
Court declared odour pollution an emergency, demanded action.
Officials ordered to protect citizens' health immediately.
Quotes
Bombay High Court bench
A bench of the Bombay High Court comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad.
“We do not want any construction work or development to stop, but we want compliance. You (authorities) have failed to ensure compliance.”
NDTV
“If things go out of hand, then nothing will remain within your control.”
NDTV
Sources
HC summons BMC Commissioner, MPCB official to explain ‘inaction’ in mitigating air pollution, cites ‘absolute non-compliance of guidelines’
‘You don’t take care of the poor’: Bombay High Court slams BMC, MPCB for ‘breach’of air pollution norms
"Come Up With Suggestions": Bombay Court To Civic Officials On Pollution
Bombay HC Calls Kanjurmarg Odour Pollution An Emergency, Seeks Immediate Measures To Protect Citizens’ Health
‘Right to breathe fresh air part of Article 21 of constitution,’ HC seeks short-term measures over Kanjurmarg dumping site
