Mumbai’s worsening air quality has sparked serious concern, with the Bombay High Court suggesting urgent measures to address pollution, including phasing out diesel vehicles and wood or coal-fired bakery kilns, commonly known as “bhattis.”
During a hearing on Thursday, Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice GS Kulkarni emphasized the need for sustainable practices, such as promoting CNG and electric vehicles, to combat the city’s deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI). The court also questioned whether citizens must continue enduring haze every year after Diwali without effective solutions.
Bakery Bhattis: A Major Pollutant
Senior advocate Darius Khambatta, acting as Amicus Curiae, highlighted that bakery bhattis are the third-largest contributors to air pollution in Mumbai, following construction activities and red-category industries.
The bench proposed stricter regulations for these bhattis, questioning the use of coal and wood as fuel. “Can the Corporation suggest banning the use of wood or coal for all bhattis in the city? Is there a statutory regulatory regime for bhattis?” the court asked.
Advocate Milind Sathe, representing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), informed the court that notices had been issued to bakeries still using coal and wood-fired kilns, directing them to transition to sustainable alternatives within a year.
Call for Phasing Out Diesel Vehicles
The court also proposed a gradual phase-out of diesel-powered vehicles, urging citizens to adopt cleaner alternatives like CNG and electric cars. “Not to copy Delhi, but can we consider permitting only CNG-driven vehicles and phasing out diesel engines?” the bench remarked.
Immediate Action Needed
The division bench underscored the urgency of tackling the root causes of Mumbai’s pollution crisis. While authorities are broadly aware of the issues, the court stressed the need for immediate and actionable measures to improve the city’s AQI.
As Mumbai continues to grapple with air pollution, the High Court’s recommendations bring attention to the role of outdated practices, such as wood-fired bhattis, and the need for sustainable urban policies. The onus now lies on civic authorities and citizens to adopt cleaner, greener alternatives to safeguard the city’s environment.