Maharashtra Govt puts ban on petrol, diesel vehicles? Sets up panel amid worsening air quality in Mumbai

In an effort to combat the increasing pollution levels in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Maharashtra government has established a seven-member committee tasked with evaluating the feasibility of phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles. The committee’s goal is to explore a transition to cleaner alternatives such as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and electric vehicles. The panel is expected to submit its recommendations within three months.

Committee led by retired IAS officer

The committee, formed under an order issued on January 22, will be headed by retired IAS officer Sudhir Srivastava. It includes a range of stakeholders with relevant expertise, such as the Transport Commissioner, Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic), the Managing Director of Mahanagar Gas Limited, and the President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The panel will also have the flexibility to appoint additional experts for a comprehensive study.

The committee’s work will extend across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which encompasses Mumbai as well as the neighbouring districts of Thane, Raigad, and Palghar. The study will assess the potential for banning petrol and diesel vehicles not only in Mumbai but also in the surrounding areas, considering the impact on pollution levels and transportation.

Court intervention and government action

The formation of this committee follows remarks made by the Bombay High Court on January 9 during a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing. The court expressed grave concerns about Mumbai’s worsening traffic congestion and air pollution, pointing to vehicular emissions as a major contributor. The court emphasized that existing regulations were insufficient and urged the Maharashtra government to take decisive action.

The state government responded by assigning the committee the task of evaluating the feasibility of transitioning from petrol and diesel vehicles to more eco-friendly options like CNG and electric vehicles.

Court orders swift transition for bakeries

In a related case, the Bombay High Court directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to ensure that bakeries using wood and coal as fuel transition to greener alternatives within six months, shortening the initial one-year deadline. The court further ruled that no new licenses would be granted to businesses relying on coal or wood unless they adopt green fuel. Additionally, the court has instructed the installation of pollution indicators at construction sites across Mumbai to monitor air quality.