Mumbai Expressing concern over the increasing pollution in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday tightened the screws on the officers. The court said that the level of pollution in the city is leaving even Delhi behind. Reprimanding the responsible officers, Bombay High Court Justice Girish S. A bench of Justice Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale said that visibility in Mumbai had reduced to less than 500 meters on Tuesday. The court used a strict tone for the municipal bodies, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and police officers.
The bench of Mumbai High Court said that when lakhs of people are facing emergency, how can the responsible officers sleep peacefully. Justice Kulkarni said that the natural geographical advantage that Mumbai has got is being ruined. The court called it shocking that the sea breeze comes in the city. There is a lot of open space, but we are facing such situations. The court asked the officers to ensure that the sky of Mumbai remains clear. The bench said in writing that it found that despite the orders in the pollution matter, the government machinery is so slow that even the basic instructions issued by the court are not being followed.
Bombay High Court warned that if there is negligence on the part of police and administration on the issue of pollution, it will be taken seriously. Because this would be a violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The court said that if action is not taken against the culprits, the concerned police officers will be forced to answer for it. The court directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to hold a meeting with the in-charges of all the police stations and prepare SOP. Also, file an affidavit in the court and confirm that the ban on bursting firecrackers or playing sound system without permission is being strictly enforced on the streets of Mumbai. The court asked BMC and Pollution Control Board to issue notices for awareness on social media by October 24. Also give an affidavit regarding following the instructions.