As part of the move to reduce air pollution and mitigate the growing traffic congestion in Mumbai, the Maharashtra government has established a committee to determine the feasibility of a ban on fossil fuel-based vehicles within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Only CNG and electric vehicles will be allowed in the area, including Mumbai and the neighboring districts such as Thane, Raigad, and Palghar.
Committee Structure
The committee is headed by retired IAS officer Sudhir Kumar Shrivastava and comprises of key members from the Maharashtra government, including the transport commissioner, joint police commissioner (traffic), and representatives from major organizations such as Mahanagar Gas Limited, the Maharashtra State Power Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran), and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The committee also has the authority to include experts in relevant fields as needed.
The committee is to make an in-depth study and present its recommendations within three months.
High Court’s Concerns
This initiative comes in the wake of the Bombay High Court’s concerns voiced through a suo-motu Public Interest Litigation on January 9. The court mentioned the rising traffic congestion and air pollution in Mumbai and said that current measures are not adequate to control vehicular emissions, which is a prime source of pollution. The court further posited that the region needed a comprehensive study to gauge whether a total ban on petrol and diesel vehicles was effective and feasible for the region.
Potential Impact
The committee will consider the environmental, infrastructural, and practical impacts of banning fossil fuel-powered vehicles in favor of CNG and EVs. While this transition can greatly improve the air quality of the MMR, the committee will have to weigh various challenges, including infrastructure requirements, adjustments in public transport, and economic considerations.
The committee’s recommendations will be pivotal in deciding the future of vehicular emissions management in Mumbai and the surrounding areas. In light of growing concerns over pollution and sustainability, the outcome of this study could be a model for other cities in India dealing with similar environmental issues.
