The Bombay High Court has established a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to urgently address the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai and the Metropolitan Region (MMR). This judicial intervention follows the court's suo motu cognizance of rising pollution levels that have plagued the city since October 2023. The bench, led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current measures taken by local authorities.
The newly formed panel will be chaired by Amjad Sayed, the former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Joining him as a key member is Anuja Prabhudessai, a former judge of the Bombay High Court. The HPC has been specifically tasked with monitoring compliance with judicial orders and reviewing weekly progress reports from Assistant Municipal Commissioners across various wards.
- Graded Response Action Plan — The panel will advise on a GRAP specifically tailored for Mumbai and Navi Mumbai
- Expert Consultations — The committee is empowered to seek advice from paediatric pulmonologists and medical specialists
- Administrative Accountability — Officials who fail to assist the panel may face contempt of court proceedings
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been directed to provide full logistical support, including a dedicated office for the committee. Additionally, the BMC will pay each member an honorarium of ₹1,00,000 per sitting to ensure the panel's independent functioning. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will also work closely with the panel to implement environmental safeguards.
The HPC is expected to meet on a weekly basis to formulate immediate, medium, and long-term strategies for air quality management. A preliminary report detailing their findings and recommendations must be submitted to the Bombay High Court by March 5, 2026. This move is seen as a critical step toward holding civic bodies accountable for the environmental health of the city's residents.
