HC notice to Maharashtra govt, BMC seeking reply on odd-even plea

The Bombay High Court on Friday issued notices to the Maharashtra government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, seeking their responses to a public interest litigation for introduction of the odd-even rule for private cars in Mumbai on lines of the pattern adopted in Delhi.

Apart from the state government and BMC, a division Bench of V M Kanade and Revati Mohite Dere issued notices to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and Regional Transport Office also.

The authorities have been directed to file their affidavits within two weeks after which the court said it would consider all the aspects raised in the PIL.

Giving the example of the recent floods in Chennai, the court said, "the situation in Chennai was due to unplanned constructions. Even in Mumbai there is so much constructions on wetlands. Mumbai too will face a similar situation."

The court also raised concerns over the increasing pollution in the city and rest of the country.

The PIL filed by one Shadaab Patel contended that the residents of the city are facing health problems due to air pollution caused by carbon monoxide emitted from vehicles and by burning and other ways of disposal of solid waste by the municipal corporation.

It has said that Mumbai, which has lesser number of vehicles than Delhi, tops in vehicular emission due to congested roads, lack of space to expand because of sea coast and rising number of diesel vehicles.

The plea said Delhi implemented the odd-even traffic pattern because of poor air quality. A similar exercise should be undertaken in Mumbai also to bring down the air pollution levels.

The PIL has sought a direction to the authorities to set up a committee to analyse air pollution and to implement remedies to reduce and control it.