Bombay High Court Forms Committee on Mumbai Air Pollution Crisis

Chief Justice Chandrashekhar stated that construction site and dust pollution control could be achieved within one to two weeks with effective measures, directing greater transparency on BMC monitoring including CCTV cameras and sensor-based air pollution monitors at construction sites.

The five-member panel was asked to submit a report by December 15 on whether air pollution control guidelines are being followed at construction sites. The BMC and MPCB were also directed to submit separate reports outlining steps taken over the past year to curb air pollution.

The Bombay High Court directed formation of a five-member team comprising officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Health Department, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and two members from civil society to inspect construction sites for compliance with air pollution control guidelines.

Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad expressed oral concern about monitoring compliance efforts by BMC and MPCB, citing the court's heavy case load of over 8 lakh pending cases. The bench suggested forming a compliance committee to meet twice monthly and report findings.

The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to immediately start a pollution audit of industries categorized as 'red' (high pollution potential), including thermal power plants, chemical industries, and refineries. The MMR region has over 7,200 red category industries among 25,723 total industries.

The Bombay High Court began hearing a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation on rising air pollution levels in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with multiple petitions noting declining Air Quality Index since 2023.