**Bombay High Court Urges Phase Out of Diesel Vehicles and Wood-Fired Bakeries for Better Mumbai AQI**
**Who**: The Bombay High Court
**What**: Urging the phasing out of diesel vehicles and wood-fired bakeries
**Where**: Mumbai
**When**: Jan 10, 2025
**Why**: To combat deteriorating air quality and pollution in the city
**How**: By encouraging the use of CNG and electric vehicles instead
The Bombay High Court has taken a decisive step towards addressing the alarming levels of air pollution in Mumbai by proposing the phase-out of diesel vehicles and wood-fired bakeries. The court’s proactive stance comes in response to the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai and surrounding areas, which has been a cause for concern in recent days.
Urgent Call for Action
The High Court, led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice GS Kulkarni, emphasized the critical need for transitioning to cleaner alternatives such as CNG and electric vehicles to combat air pollution effectively. The court highlighted the detrimental impact of diesel engines and wood/coal-fired kilns used by bakeries on the city’s air quality, urging a shift towards more sustainable practices.
Senior advocate Darius Khambatta, serving as the Amicus Curiae in the case, underscored the significant contribution of bakery bhattis to air pollution in Mumbai, ranking them as the third-largest polluters after construction sites and red-category industries. In response to these findings, the High Court suggested the potential removal of bakery bhattis to curb pollution levels in the city.
Promoting Sustainable Practices
The court raised concerns about the widespread use of wood and coal in bakery bhattis, highlighting the need for regulatory measures to address this issue effectively. It called upon the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to enforce stricter guidelines and transition bakeries to sustainable kilns within a specified timeframe.
Furthermore, the Bombay High Court advocated for the systematic phasing out of diesel-driven vehicles in favor of CNG or electric cars to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The court stressed the importance of adopting eco-friendly transportation solutions to combat pollution effectively and protect public health.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the court’s proactive measures, challenges remain in implementing these recommendations and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The court expressed disappointment in the lack of proactive measures taken by authorities to address air pollution and emphasized the need for immediate action to safeguard the city’s environment and public health.
In conclusion, the Bombay High Court’s call to phase out diesel vehicles and wood-fired bakeries marks a critical step towards mitigating air pollution in Mumbai. By promoting sustainable practices and encouraging the adoption of cleaner transportation options, the court aims to create a healthier and more sustainable future for the city and its residents.
*Recommended Topics: air pollution, Mumbai, sustainable practices, environmental regulations, public health*
