Bombay High Court directs Mumbai authorities to enforce strict anti-pollution measures

Bombay High Court calls for immediate civic action on air quality

The Bombay High Court has reprimanded civic and regulatory agencies over the slow implementation of directives designed to curb air and noise pollution in Mumbai, describing the current situation as an emergency.

A division bench including Justice Kulkarni expressed concern during a hearing on a suo motu Public Interest Litigation, noting reports that Mumbai's pollution levels had briefly surpassed those of Delhi. The court pointed out that visibility in the city dropped below 500 metres on Tuesday, while Air Quality Index readings ranged between 150 and 200 over the preceding week.

The bench stressed that Mumbai, with its coastal geography and sea breeze, should be benefiting from natural air circulation, yet residents continue to deal with persistent haze.

Enforcement of firecracker restrictions and decibel limits

The court directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and local police to strictly enforce directives issued earlier this month. In an order dated 15 October, the court prohibited the bursting of firecrackers in public areas, including streets, lanes, and footpaths.

The judges noted that municipal bodies and the pollution control board had not done enough to publicise these restrictions across newspapers, electronic media, or social media platforms. The bench also raised concerns about noise pollution from unpermitted sound systems during public processions and the unregulated use of firecrackers on busy thoroughfares.

Authorities were urged to establish clear compliance mechanisms and ensure that public events obtain prior permissions with formal undertakings to adhere to prescribed decibel limits.

How air quality measures compare

While air quality challenges affect major urban centres across the country during the autumn season, municipal authorities in Mumbai are working alongside state enforcement agencies to accelerate dust suppression and construction site monitoring.

Civic departments have already initiated measures to address localized emission sources, including notices to construction sites and guidelines for festive events, as state administration works to maintain public safety and environmental standards.