Mumbai: In a significant move to combat worsening air quality, the Maharashtra government has constituted a committee of experts to examine the possibility of banning fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This proposal, if implemented, would restrict the use of petrol and diesel vehicles, allowing only CNG and electric vehicles to operate in the region.
The initiative comes in response to recent observations made by the Bombay High Court, highlighting the need for urgent measures to address the escalating pollution levels in the city and its surrounding areas. The MMR encompasses Mumbai and adjoining districts such as Thane, Raigad, and Palghar, making it a crucial hub for economic activities and daily commuting.
The expert committee has been tasked with evaluating the feasibility and practicality of this transition. It will explore the infrastructure and policy changes required to support a shift to cleaner fuels and assess the potential economic and social implications.
The state government’s decision aligns with its broader goals of reducing vehicular emissions and promoting sustainable urban development. Officials believe that prioritizing CNG and electric vehicles could play a pivotal role in improving air quality and reducing the carbon footprint in the region.
Experts and environmentalists have welcomed the move, emphasizing the urgent need to curb emissions in Mumbai, where air pollution has become a pressing health concern. The committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to shape future policies aimed at achieving a greener and cleaner metropolitan region.
The government has yet to set a timeline for the committee’s report, but the initiative signals Maharashtra’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges through sustainable solutions.
