The Maharashtra government is exploring the possibility of banning petrol and diesel vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to tackle pollution. A committee has been formed to study the feasibility of this move and submit recommendations within three months, as per an order issued by the transport department on Wednesday. The decision follows the Bombay High Court’s concerns over rising pollution and traffic congestion in Mumbai during a suo motu petition hearing.
While Mumbaikars have welcomed the initiative for its potential to reduce air pollution and create a cleaner city, many are concerned about its practical implementation and financial implications.
Namdar Rahi, editor of an environmental magazine, called the initiative commendable from an environmental perspective but highlighted the challenges in execution. He noted that if successful, Mumbai would become the first Indian city to implement such bold measures for pollution control.
Vinod Mishra, a real estate developer, expressed support for the move but emphasized the importance of providing citizens with adequate notice. “The government must ensure timely decisions, as many people buy cars with loans and pay EMIs for years. Sudden changes can cause financial distress,” he said.
Similarly, filmmaker Yashpal Singh Bhagat pointed out the difficulty for recent vehicle buyers, urging the government to give a 6–7-year advance notice if transitioning entirely to electric vehicles (EVs).
However, some citizens voiced strong criticism. Veteran media and IT expert Sorab Ghaswala termed the move impractical, citing the enormous number of existing fossil fuel vehicles. “What will the government do with these vehicles? People invest lakhs in their cars, which are depreciating assets. This feels like a dictatorial move,” he said.
Ghaswala also questioned the government’s priorities, comparing the ban to increased taxes on cigarettes, suggesting a lack of consistency in addressing public welfare.
As the state government evaluates the proposal, it faces the dual challenge of addressing environmental concerns while minimizing the financial burden on citizens. A carefully crafted, phased transition plan could be key to balancing these objectives.
