Bombay High Court reprimands officials over Mumbai pollution

The Bombay High Court has expressed severe concern regarding the deteriorating air and noise pollution levels in Mumbai, noting that the city's air quality is now surpassing that of Delhi in some instances. A division bench comprising Justice Girish S. Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhle criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the Mumbai Police for failing to effectively implement existing regulations.

The court questioned the accountability of officials, asking how they could remain unconcerned while millions of citizens suffer from hazardous conditions. The bench highlighted a specific incident near Crawford Market in South Mumbai, where firecrackers were openly burst on a busy road directly in front of a police station, signaling a blatant disregard for judicial orders.

In response to the ongoing violations, the court has directed the Mumbai Police to strictly scrutinize licenses for sound systems used in processions and to ensure total compliance with restrictions on firecrackers during festivals. The court warned that negligent officials failing to fulfill their administrative responsibilities could face strict action.