Mumbai May Ban Petrol, Diesel Cars: Maharashtra Govt Forms 7-Member Committee

The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step towards combating pollution in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) by forming a seven-member committee to evaluate the feasibility of banning petrol and diesel vehicles. The panel, headed by retired IAS officer Sudhir Kumar Shrivastava, has been directed to submit its report with recommendations within three months.

Scope of the Committee

The MMR includes Mumbai and surrounding districts like Thane, Raigad, and Palghar. The committee comprises representatives from the state transport department, police traffic division, Mahanagar Gas, Mahavitaran, and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Additional experts may be brought in for specialized consultations.

The decision follows a recent Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing in the Bombay High Court, which underscored the urgent need to address vehicular emissions—identified as a leading cause of Mumbai’s air pollution.

High Court’s Push for Cleaner Air

The Bombay High Court, during the PIL hearing, called out the insufficiency of current measures to tackle pollution in Mumbai. It urged authorities to examine a shift from conventional petrol and diesel vehicles to cleaner alternatives such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles (EVs).

Potential Impact on Automotive Sector

If the proposed ban materializes, it could significantly impact the automotive industry in Mumbai and the surrounding regions. In 2024 alone, Mumbai registered 2.79 lakh new vehicles, reflecting a 9.89% increase compared to the previous year. Across Maharashtra, over 28 lakh vehicles were registered in the same period, marking a 12.32% year-on-year rise.

The ban could also push manufacturers and consumers to accelerate the transition to eco-friendly vehicles, potentially reshaping the market dynamics in the region.

Pollution From Construction and Other Sources

Vehicular emissions are not the only source of pollution in Mumbai. The city’s municipal corporation recently flagged 11,000 active construction projects as contributors to deteriorating air quality, aggravated by increased activity, wind pattern changes, and cooler temperatures. Authorities have intensified the monitoring of pollution control measures at these sites.

Additional HC Directives for Eco-Friendly Measures

The High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to ensure bakeries using coal or wood for fuel switch to greener alternatives like gas within six months. Furthermore, new licenses will only be granted to businesses that adopt eco-friendly fuel sources.

Charting a Cleaner Path Forward

The committee’s findings are expected to play a pivotal role in formulating sustainable urban transport policies and addressing Mumbai’s pollution crisis. With rising concerns over air quality, this initiative marks a critical step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing cleaner transportation solutions in one of India’s most congested urban regions.

This move, coupled with stricter pollution control regulations, reflects the state’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.