**Bombay High Court Demands Accountability from BMC and MPCB Over Air Quality Issues**
The Bombay High Court has taken a strong stance against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) regarding the alarming decline in air quality in Mumbai. On Monday, the court summoned the highest-ranking officials from both agencies to appear in person and address concerns about their lack of action. The court expressed a preliminary view that the leaders of these organizations must provide explanations for the inaction of their subordinates. The BMC Commissioner and the MPCB Secretary are required to be present in court on Tuesday morning to respond to the court’s inquiries.
A report from a committee established by the court revealed that numerous construction, demolition, industrial, and roadwork sites in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are failing to comply with existing pollution-control regulations. Despite the presence of these guidelines, the report indicated that standard operating procedures and circulars have not been effectively implemented on the ground.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad reviewed a 74-page report from a four-member committee, which highlighted a significant lack of monitoring by both the BMC and the MPCB at various sites. Previously, these agencies had been instructed to ensure adherence to civic and environmental standards aimed at reducing particulate emissions from construction and demolition activities.
The committee also assessed the construction site for the new Bombay High Court building planned for Government Colony, Bandra East, and found that operations were being conducted in a highly negligent and dangerously unregulated manner. The report stated, “The committee finds that the demolition activities are extremely negligent and dangerously unregulated, posing immediate risks to public health, safety, and ambient air quality.” It noted that the demolition involved extensive removal of existing structures, generating significant amounts of dust and debris that were left exposed on-site.
The report pointed out the absence of essential safety measures, such as barricades, wet coverings, and dust-suppression systems, including sprinklers or smog guns. Additionally, it documented the lack of air quality sensors and CCTV surveillance, with uncovered vehicles transporting debris and gas cylinders used for cutting steel improperly placed on public pavements, creating serious safety hazards.
The committee, led by Anitta Patil, Conservator of Forests at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, along with three lawyers, conducted inspections of construction sites across the city following a suo motu public interest litigation initiated by the court in 2023 due to the worsening air quality in Mumbai.
In conclusion, the Bombay High Court’s actions underscore the urgent need for accountability and effective measures to combat air pollution in Mumbai, as the health and safety of the public remain at stake.
**FAQ**
**What actions is the Bombay High Court taking regarding air quality in Mumbai?**
The Bombay High Court has summoned senior officials from the BMC and MPCB to explain their inaction on air quality issues and has highlighted significant non-compliance with pollution-control guidelines at various construction sites.
