Let your work to curb pollution in Mumbai speak, Bombay High Court tells BMC

Mumbai: Bombay High Court on Friday said BMC must do its duty and show its work to curb air pollution in the city.

A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata was hearing an interim application by Vanashakti in a 2023 suo motu PIL on air pollution. The NGO flagged alarming levels of air pollution in Oct in Mumbai and surrounding areas.

Senior advocate Janak Dwarkadas said as per news reports, PM10 levels have increased significantly and Diwali firecrackers will only add to the problem.

State’s advocate Jyoti Chavan informed that a coordinate bench recently passed directions in respect of air and noise pollution due to firecrackers. Dwarkadas said the 2023 PIL includes other sources of pollution.

BMC’s advocate Joel Carlos objected to the interim application saying the NGO is already before an HC-constituted high-powered committee. The judges adjourned the hearing to Nov 30. Dwarkadas then remarked that BMC lawyers and citizens are breathing the same air. The judges said BMC has to do its duty. “Show your work. Your work should speak,” said Justice Khata.