The Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench has stepped in to address the city's escalating air pollution crisis, initiating a legal process to combat what it sees as a looming public health emergency. Justices Anil Kilor and Rajnish Vyas took suo motu cognisance of the deteriorating situation on Thursday, directing the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Court Alarmed by Hazardous Air Quality Data
The judicial intervention was triggered by alarming media reports and official data highlighting Nagpur's dangerously poor air. The bench noted that the problem has been escalating day by day, necessitating immediate action. The court appointed advocate Shantanu Khedkar as amicus curiae and gave him four weeks to prepare and file the petition.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) provided the concrete evidence for concern. On the morning of November 21, several areas in Nagpur recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 250 at 5 am, a level classified as 'poor' and hazardous to health. Crucially, this reading was higher than the AQI levels recorded in Mumbai and Pune on the same day, underscoring the severity of Nagpur's specific crisis.
Winter Inversion and Construction Dust Fuel the Crisis
The sharp decline in air quality is attributed to a combination of factors. Ongoing construction activity across the city has led to increased dust levels. This problem is compounded by seasonal winter inversion, a meteorological phenomenon where cooler air near the ground traps pollutants, preventing them from dispersing. As temperatures continue to fall, suspended particulate matter remains dangerously close to the ground, exposing residents to prolonged health risks.
Judicial Scrutiny Sets Stage for Accountability
This marks the first judicial scrutiny of Nagpur's pollution levels this winter. The court's move is expected to compel local authorities, civic bodies, and environmental groups into action. Once the petition is formally numbered, these agencies are likely to be called upon to submit compliance reports.
The court's directives are anticipated to push for:
- Stricter monitoring of air quality parameters.
- Effective dust-control measures at construction sites.
- Regular submission of updated compliance data from responsible authorities.
The suo motu PIL sets the stage for a deeper, structured legal examination of not just air pollution, but also related issues like noise pollution. It represents a significant step towards holding relevant parties accountable and formulating a concrete action plan to safeguard public health in Nagpur.
