Mumbai news: Bombay HC allows bursting of firecrackers for 3 hours on Diwali; all constructions halted

livemint.com:

firecrackers for 3 hours, between 7 pm to 10 pm, on Diwali. The High Court also instructed all constructions in the Maharashtra's capital city be halted till Diwali, in order to combat worsening air pollution. A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Girish Kulkarni issued a slew of directions to immediately address the air quality index in a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation regarding the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai.

“We have to make a choice. Either we have a disease-free environment or we burn fire crackers and celebrate the festival. The state government will have to take a call.

We cannot even walk on the footpath…With the entire city being affected in this manner, the state government will have to take a decision. We can't depend only on the nature." Livelaw quoted the Bombay High Court. Amid growing concern in worsening Air Quality Index in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had asked the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Tata Power and a few other companies to cut down their production by 50 per cent with an aim to curb pollution.

The Bombay HC also noted that it would consider banning construction material. “On the next date (Friday) if the air quality is not reduced the court may consider banning construction material going in and out" Livelaw quoted the Bombay HC judges bench. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels