The Maharashtra government is considering banning petrol and diesel-run vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to reduce pollution levels in the state. A committee has been formed to study and submit a report on the possibility of imposing restrictions on petrol and diesel vehicles in the MMR. On Wednesday, the transport department issued an order to that effect.
Headed by former IAS officer Sudhir Kumar Srivastava, the committee has been asked to submit its report and recommendations in three months.
The decision comes after the Bombay High Court expressed serious concern over traffic congestion and rising pollution in Mumbai while hearing a suo motu petition. Taking note of the court’s directive, the state government decided to establish the committee.
The members of the committee include the State Transport Commissioner, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Managing Director of Mahanagar Gas, Project Director of Mahavitaran, and the Chairman of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Additionally, the Deputy Transport Commissioner (Enforcement-1) of Maharashtra will serve as the committee’s Member Secretary.
Since most places in Mumbai were in the Poor category and the majority were at the higher end of the Moderate category on the Air Quality Index in December of last year, the high court has emphasized the necessity of taking necessary measures to control the situation. It also mentioned that one of the main causes of the deteriorating air quality was vehicle pollution.
Mumbai currently has a total of 96.62 lakh vehicles, including 72 lakh petrol vehicles, 11 lakh diesel vehicles, and 99,700 electric vehicles.