5 months ago
1
The Bombay High Court connected Thursday (November 27, 2025) dismissed the Maharashtra government’s assertion that volcanic ash drifting from Ethiopia was liable for Mumbai’s worsening aerial quality, observing that contamination levels had been mediocre agelong earlier the eruption.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad was proceeding a acceptable of petitions, including a suo motu case initiated in 2023, concerning rising aerial contamination successful the city.
Senior advocates Darius Khambata and Janak Dwarkadas, representing the petitioners, pointed retired that Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently remained in the “very poor” class this month, often crossing 300.
Additional government pleader Jyoti Chavan argued that the eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano successful Ethiopia connected November 23 had worsened the concern by sending ash clouds crossed the Indian subcontinent. The eruption produced a plume rising nearly 14km into the atmosphere, disrupting flights and spreading eastward toward India.
The Bench, however, rejected the explanation. “That eruption happened lone 2 days ago. Even earlier that, if 1 stepped out, visibility successful Mumbai was mediocre beyond 500 metres,” the Bench remarked.
Parallels with Delhi
The tribunal expressed interest implicit the deficiency of effectual measures to curb contamination and drew parallels with Delhi, which is presently grappling with hazardous AQI levels. “What steps tin beryllium taken? What has worked successful Delhi?” the judges asked, seeking factual solutions.
Advocate Milind Sathe, appearing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), informed the tribunal that immoderate measures were already underway. The BMC has indicated that if AQI readings successful definite areas remain above 300 for 3 consecutive days, it volition instrumentality the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV), which includes halting operation activities — a large contributor to particulate pollution.
The tribunal noted that despite previous directives and monitoring since October 2023, determination has been little improvement. It directed authorities to intensify efforts and scheduled the adjacent proceeding for Friday.
