Petrol, Diesel Vehicles To Be Banned In Mumbai? Maharashtra Govt Forms Panel - See Details

Amid growing air pollution in Mumbai, the Maharashtra government has established a panel to study the possibility of phasing out petrol and diesel-run vehicles, following a recommendation from the Bombay High Court.

To examine this matter, the BJP-led government in Maharashtra has constituted a seven-member committee. The committee will be chaired by retired IAS officer Sudhir Kumar. In addition to him, the committee will include Maharashtra's transport commissioner, Mumbai's joint police commissioner (traffic), the managing director of Mahanagar Gas Limited, the project manager of the Maharashtra State Power Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran), the president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and the joint transport commissioner (enforcement-1).

According to the government resolution, the panel will also have the authority to invite field experts as fellow members to provide valuable insights and feedback for a more effective study and resolution. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) also includes areas from the neighboring districts of Thane, Raigad, and Palghar.

Bombay High Court Expresses Concern Over Rising Air Pollution 

On January 9 of this year, the Bombay High Court took suo-motu cognizance of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and expressed concern over the declining air quality and its implications on human health. The High Court pointed out that vehicular emissions are a significant source of air pollution in Mumbai and noted that current efforts to control the number of vehicles and curb pollution are proving insufficient.

To address the mounting air pollution in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area, the Bombay High Court recommended several directives. These include the formation of a panel to study the potential ban on petrol and diesel-run vehicles and an order for the civic body and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to install pollution indicators at construction sites. The Court further directed that the government-appointed committee complete its study within three months and submit its findings.

Additionally, the High Court forbade the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) from granting new licenses to bakeries that use coal or wood. The Court also directed that existing bakeries must switch to using only green fuel.

(With PTI Inputs)