Mumbai. The Bombay High Court has expressed concern over rising air and noise pollution in major cities of Maharashtra, including Mumbai. The court advised the state government, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the police administration to consider the measures being adopted in Delhi-NCR to control pollution. The court said that acting only after complaints are received is not enough to tackle pollution; an effective system must be put in place in advance.
A bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale said the usefulness in Maharashtra of measures being implemented in Delhi-NCR to prevent air pollution, and rules such as prescribed timings for bursting firecrackers, should also be considered. The court specifically referred to the Supreme Court directions issued on October 29 in the context of Delhi-NCR.
The court also expressed concern over the bursting of firecrackers in public places during festivals and the uncontrolled use of loud DJs and loudspeakers. It made clear that the freedom to celebrate religious and cultural festivals does not mean that the health and rights of ordinary citizens can be ignored. The problems caused by excessive noise to senior citizens, patients and students also need to be taken seriously.
The High Court asked the state government and related agencies to take concrete steps for pollution control and ensure strict compliance with rules. The court also clarified that pollution-control orders would apply across Maharashtra and would not be limited to Mumbai.
The aim of the court’s intervention is to control the growing impact of pollution in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai and other cities, and to ensure clean air and a peaceful environment for citizens.
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