As Mumbai grapples with air pollution ahead of Diwali, the Bombay High Court on Monday took suo motu cognizance in the matter and mandated that firecrackers be burst only between 7 pm and 10 pm to limit their contribution to air pollution.
It also deployed 8 municipal officials to ensure that the time limit is not violated.
The court also stated in its order that all construction debris should carried to or out of the construction site in fully covered trucks till November 10.
The high court further stated that only ready-mix concrete should be transported to the construction sites adding that it will decide on the future course of action on Friday after seeing the air quality over this week.
In its order, the court said that the Mumbai Air Pollution Act of March 2023 will be implemented and it should be the personal responsibility of the municipal commissioner and assistant municipal commissioner to see there are no lapses.
“People’s lives are more important than developmental works. If the construction is closed for a few days, heaven won’t fall,” the court stated.
The court said that the authorities must ensure that all construction debris is carried to or out of the construction site in fully covered trucks and that only ready-mix concrete should be transported to the spot.
On the next date if the air quality is not reduced the court may consider banning construction material going in and out.
The court also directed that no burning of waste is permitted in the open, especially at the dumping sites.
In response to the alarming air quality, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took several steps to combat air pollution, including deploying anti-smog guns, sprinklers at construction sites, and special squads to enforce pollution control measures.
Additionally, the BMC has initiated the daily cleaning of 650 kilometres of major roads in the city with recycled water, as per IANS.
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