‘Let's Not Become Delhi’: Bombay HC Reduces Time For Bursting Crackers During Diwali Amid Pollution Concerns
Mumbai Pollution: During the hearing, the court noted a decline in firecracker use in Mumbai but deemed it necessary to further restrict the time frame to address air quality concerns.
The Bombay High Court, on Friday, revised its previous order on Diwali firecracker bursting, now allowing it only between 8 pm and 10 pm, citing concerns over air pollution. The division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice G S Kulkarni, which had initially permitted a three-hour window from 7 pm to 10 pm on November 6, modified the order due to the ongoing air quality issues, news agency PTI reported. The court expressed the need to prevent a situation similar to Delhi and highlighted critical areas in Mumbai with poor air quality.
"Let's not become Delhi. Let's remain Mumbaikars," Chief Justice Upadhyaya said, as quoted by PTI.
During the hearing, the court noted a decline in firecracker use in Mumbai but deemed it necessary to further restrict the time frame to address air quality concerns. The court extended its ban on vehicles carrying debris in the city till November 19. After this date, municipal corporations will decide based on air quality indices whether such vehicles should be allowed. The court stressed the importance of identifying pollution sources and called for a study by experts to understand the causes.
"A lot of efforts have been taken, but maybe something more needs to be done," remarked the court, as per PTI. The bench modified its earlier order, stating, "The time to burst crackers shall be limited from 8 pm to 10 pm." It emphasised that, considering the prevalent situation, it did not deem it appropriate to modify another direction in its November 6 order regarding the entry of vehicles transporting debris.
A range of petitions, including one taken up suo motu by the court, addressed rising air pollution in Mumbai. The court acknowledged that air pollution issues would persist and emphasised the need for a comprehensive study by experts to identify causes and mitigation measures. Advocate General Birendra Saraf, representing the state government, assured the court of sincere efforts to address pollution, attributing improved air quality to recent rains.
Bombay HC On Expert Committee To Review Mumbai Pollution
While commending the government's actions, the court asserted that fulfilling duties is not a favor. Senior counsel Milind Sathe, representing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), informed the court about the implementation of pollution control norms. However, the court expressed skepticism, citing a high number of sites not complying with the norms, questioning the effectiveness of BMC's efforts, PTI reported.
The court also stressed the need for an expert committee, adding a retired bureaucrat as its third member on Friday. This committee, formed on November 6, will receive daily reports from all municipal corporations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and submit a weekly report to the court. The court reiterated the Supreme Court's ban on chemical firecrackers and questioned mechanisms to monitor manufacturing and sales.
"The source of pollution also needs to be ascertained," remarked the court, emphasising the importance of a study by experts. The court questioned, "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?"
indiaThe matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 11.
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