New Delhi: The Bombay High Court has expressed serious concern over rising air pollution in Mumbai, questioning how the coastal city could experience pollution levels surpassing those of Delhi despite its sea breeze and open spaces.
On Wednesday, a bench of Justice Girish S Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and police for failing to enforce existing directions aimed at controlling air and noise pollution during festivals.
The court imposed a ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads, streets and footpaths, directing authorities to ensure strict compliance. The BMC Commissioner and Mumbai Police Commissioner have been asked to submit affidavits by October 26 detailing the steps taken to enforce the order.
The bench also directed authorities to prepare a standard operating procedure for taking action against violators. A complete prohibition on bursting firecrackers was reiterated for designated silence zones around hospitals, courts, schools and government offices.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the continued violations, the court observed that firecrackers were being burst on busy public streets without effective intervention. It also highlighted lapses in enforcing rules governing loudspeakers during religious and other processions.
The court directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to convene a meeting with senior officers from police stations across the city to ensure that the restrictions were clearly communicated and implemented.
According to AQI.in, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index remained between 150 and 200 over the preceding week, indicating unhealthy air quality.
The bench questioned why Mumbai’s natural geographical advantages had failed to translate into cleaner air. It stressed that authorities must take effective measures to ensure clearer skies and protect residents from worsening pollution.
The court also criticised the BMC and MPCB for failing to conduct adequate public awareness campaigns about restrictions on firecrackers in public spaces.
Additionally, it directed strict implementation of its September 22 order requiring processions using loudspeakers to display the official police permission authorising their use.
The court’s directions underline the need for stronger enforcement, greater public awareness and accountability among civic and police authorities as Mumbai faces mounting concerns over air quality and festive noise pollution.
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