India’s Maharashtra government has established a seven-member committee to assess the viability of prohibiting petrol and diesel vehicles in Mumbai, with the intention of substituting them with electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, in response to a directive from the Bombay High Court.
This initiative arises amidst growing concerns regarding the declining air quality in India’s financial capital.
Mumbai, which hosts significant stock exchanges and multinational corporations, has experienced a continuous deterioration in air quality, attributed to heightened traffic congestion and ongoing construction activities.
In its ruling on January 9, the court highlighted the concerning increase in vehicular emissions, identifying them as a major factor contributing to air pollution.
The court remarked, “The roads in the Mumbai metropolitan area are congested with vehicles, and the vehicle density is alarming.”
Since 2020, Mumbai’s air quality has deteriorated markedly, with a 12% increase in the air quality index (AQI), as reported by AQI, a platform that monitors real-time air quality.
Should the ban be enacted, it could significantly impact automobile manufacturers, businesses, and residents who depend on petrol and diesel vehicles. Currently, the city lacks sufficient infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) charging, and the metro rail system is still under construction.
The committee formed by the government is responsible for examining the proposal and delivering its recommendations within a three-month timeframe.
