Mumbai: Mumbai's worsening air quality index (AQI) has come under the Bombay high court scanner. Bandra resident Shadaab Patel, who had last month filed a public interest litigation seeking implementation of the odd-even system in the city, on Tuesday filed a fresh application urging the court to direct the authorities to take measures to ensure a healthy AQI. The matter came up before a division bench of Justice V M Kanade and Justice RevatiDere and has been scheduled for hearing on February 29.
"One of the factors for the worsening air pollution in Mumbai is lack of proper management of disposal of solid waste that is generated daily, resulting in open burning and occurrence of accidental fires in BMC's dumping grounds," said the affidavit filed by Patel. He referred to the recent fire that broke out at the Deonar dumping ground that led to haze and smoke in Mumbai for several days. Since the start of the fire on January 28, Mumbai's AQI has remained between 250 and 300, and touched 341 on January 29. As per health standards AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "very unhealthy" and over 300 it is "hazardous". "The authorities have to take necessary steps to prevent the solid waste from harming or being hazardous to the environment," said the petitioner.
He has suggested measures like preventing rag pickers from burning waste, installing CCTVs and other facilities at the dumping grounds. "It is necessary to pass appropriate directions and orders to safeguard the AQI in Mumbai city and to provide a healthy environment. It is the fundamental right of every individual to live pollution free," the affidavit said.
Patel, in his PIL, has sought court orders to the authorities to reduce air pollution, including odd-even traffic system in the city, ban on diesel vehicles and proper solid waste disposal facilities.
