After Delhi, Mumbai? Bombay HC hears PIL on fighting air pollution

Even as the Delhi High Court has refused to interfere in the odd-even scheme, the Bombay High Court is hearing a petition seeking to curb air pollution in the country’s financial capital..The Bombay Environment Action Group (BEAG) has taken up the fight for cleaner air through a PIL in the High Court. Today, senior counsel Shiraz Rustomjee appeared for the BEAG, submitting that although Delhi’s odd-even scheme was a good start, much more needed to be done to de-congest city roads..Relying on a recent direction of the National Green Tribunal seeking information on the air quality in 15 cities, Rustomjee said that there was an urgent need to formulate policies that encouraged public transport. The senior counsel gave examples such as the introduction of a Bus Rapid Transport system, as well as intelligent traffic management..The petition (WP 1762 of 1999) itself was filed by the Smoke Affected Resident’s Forum headed by social activist Dr. Sandeep Rane. In the petition, the SARF had alleged that rising levels of vehicular pollution were causing “incalculable damage” to the health of the city’s residents. In fact, the petition had sought similar reliefs as those granted by the Supreme Court in MC Mehta in 1999 with respect to phasing out of old vehicles, enforcing EURO-II emission norms etc..The SARF had argued that the task of fighting the pollution levels could not “to be left to the bureaucracy alone”..Nearly two decades later, this still holds true..Debi Goenka, noted environmentalist and BEAG member told Bar & Bench that there is a pressing need to result the sheer number of vehicles on the city’s roads..“There are a 55,000 black and yellow taxis in mumbai. Whenever there is a taxi strike, we see a significant amount of de-congestion on the roads. Drawing from that, if we are able to reduce the number of vehicles, it will result in a noticeable difference”..Although the odd-even scheme was mentioned in court today, government pleader Yogesh Adhia said that the implementation of such a rule would not be feasible in the city..After hearing submissions Kanade J. said that all suggestions relating to this issue ought to be compiled; with the matter now posted for further hearing on February 2..He pointed out the recommendations of the V.M Lal committee and said that the government should take a pro active approach in this regard as it is in the interest of the general public..The petitioners said that by not allowing public transport to be used on the worli sea link etc. the government is indirectly disincentivising public transport and encouraging private transport..The matter was adjourned and will be heard on February 2..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.