Bombay High Court Establishes High-Powered Committee to Tackle Mumbai's Air Pollution Crisis
The Bombay High Court has taken a decisive step to address the persistent air pollution crisis in the Mumbai region by constituting a high-powered monitoring committee. This panel, comprising two distinguished former judges, will oversee compliance with court directives and recommend comprehensive measures to improve air quality in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Composition and Mandate of the Committee
The committee is led by former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court Amjad A Sayed and retired Bombay High Court Justice Anuja Prabhudessai. Justice Sayed brings extensive experience, having served as a Bombay High Court judge for 15 years before his elevation to Chief Justice in Himachal Pradesh in 2023. The bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam A Ankhad formed this committee on January 29, 2026, following concerns about inadequate monitoring by civic authorities and stagnant pollution levels.
Background and Judicial Observations
The High Court initiated this action through a suo motu public interest litigation, prompted by media reports including The Indian Express series Death by Breath, which highlighted alarming pollution scenarios since November 2023. The court noted that air pollution in Mumbai and surrounding areas has not shown significant decline, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced oversight and implementation of pollution control measures.
Key Responsibilities and Powers
The committee has been entrusted with several critical functions:
- Examining reports from municipal commissioners of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, as well as the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
- Reviewing findings from an earlier advocates committee that inspected construction sites in Mumbai.
- Recommending immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures to combat and prevent air pollution across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
- Advising on the formulation of a Graded Response Action Plan specifically for Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
- Submitting a preliminary report by March 5, 2026, followed by monthly updates, and suggesting additional measures for effective compliance and pollution reduction.
Operational Framework and Expert Consultation
To ensure thorough analysis, the committee is authorized to seek inputs from experts such as Virendra Sethi, Emeritus Fellow in Environmental Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay, and Dr. Indu Khosla, a pediatric pulmonologist. It may also consult other expert bodies as necessary. The committee will hold weekly meetings, either physically or virtually, depending on workload, and conduct site visits or convene meetings at appropriate locations to assess ground realities.
Logistical Support and Enforcement Mechanisms
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has been directed to provide robust support to the committee, including:
- Payment of Rs 1 lakh per sitting to each committee member.
- Provision of office space, a vehicle, and secretarial assistance.
- Designation of the Deputy Municipal Commissioner for Environment as the nodal officer for coordination.
The High Court has issued a stern warning, stating that any failure to assist the committee or disobedience of its directives will be treated as a breach of court orders, potentially leading to contempt proceedings against concerned individuals. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 5, 2026, emphasizing the court's commitment to ensuring accountability and progress in pollution control efforts.
This initiative marks a significant judicial intervention aimed at safeguarding public health and environmental sustainability in one of India's most populous metropolitan regions, reflecting the growing urgency to address air quality issues through structured, expert-led oversight.
