It is interesting to see the kind of measures the government is looking at to curb vehicular pollution
In a rather surprising development, the Maharashtra government is considering the possibility of banning petrol and diesel cars in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The basis for this idea is to curb the ever-increasing pollution which is leading to consistently worsening air quality. We know how critical it is to ensure fresh air for our survival. Each year, we witness Delhi breaking all records on the AQ index leading to innumerable diseases to the populace. To prevent a similar situation, the Maharashtra government has been proactive. Let us take a look at the details here.
Petrol and Diesel Vehicles Ban in Mumbai
The Maharashtra government has set up a 7-member panel to explore this idea. Only CNG and electric vehicles will be allowed to move in the MMR. This move came after the Bombay High Court noticed vehicular emissions as the major source of air pollution in Mumbai. Furthermore, it found out that the existing measures to control it are inadequate. During a public interest litigation hearing on January 9, the High Court expressed concerns over the traffic congestion and pollution in Mumbai city. It also considered the negative impact on the quality of life, environment and overall sustainability.
Bombay High Court Says
As a consequence, the High Court emphasized the need for a thorough study to see if it would be “appropriate or feasible to phase out diesel and petrol-driven vehicles”. The court was clear that the automobiles were choking Mumbai’s roads which is the major reason for the city’s deteriorating air quality. Consequently, the HC directed the panel, headed by retired IAS officer Sudhir Kumar Shrivastava, to study and submit a report with the necessary recommendations within 3 months.
The 7-Member Panel
In addition to the retired IAS officer, the other members of this panel include Maharashtra’s transport commissioner, Mumbai’s joint police commissioner (traffic), managing director of the Mahanagar Gas Limited, project manager of the Maharashtra State Power Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran), president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and joint transport commissioner (enforcement-1) as member secretary. There is also a provision to include experts in this field to join as members to get feedback from them.
My View
Clearly, vehicular pollution is a grave issue in the major cities of our nation. We already hear stories about Delhi each year, particularly during special occasions like Diwali. It is practically impossible to live in such gas chambers. Evidently, the Bombay High Court is concerned about a similar scenario in Mumbai. Hence, ambitious plans are being discussed. While it might seem like an extreme measure, at least it shows the intention of the government to deal with this plague vehemently. Let us see how things pan out in times to come.
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