### Bombay High Court Criticizes BMC for Inaction on Air Pollution Amidst New Project Approvals The Bombay High Court has expressed serious concerns regarding the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) failure to manage escalating air pollution levels in Mumbai. The court's reprimand comes in light of the BMC's approval of over 125 large-scale projects despite the deteriorating air quality. The judges emphasized that if the BMC cannot control air pollution, it should refrain from permitting new projects for at least two weeks. This situation highlights a significant disconnect between urban development and environmental management, raising questions about the BMC's commitment to public health and regulatory compliance [https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/bombay-high-court/mumbai-air-pollution-dont-permit-new-projects-for-2-weeks-514401][https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/bombay-hc-bmc-air-pollution-125-big-projects-sanctioned-10437509]. ### Structure of the Court's Findings and Directives 1. **Criticism of BMC's Oversight**: The court condemned the BMC for "turning a blind eye" to air pollution issues, indicating a systemic failure in monitoring and enforcement of pollution control measures [https://www.millenniumpost.in/nation/bmc-turning-blind-eye-to-air-pollution-issue-says-bombay-hc-questions-nod-for-over-125-projects-in-city-641150]. 2. **Call for Monitoring and Compliance**: The court mandated that the BMC conduct regular monitoring of construction sites and instill a sense of accountability among project proponents to adhere to pollution guidelines [https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/bombay-hc-bmc-air-pollution-125-big-projects-sanctioned-10437509]. 3. **Summoning of Officials**: BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) member secretary were summoned to explain their inaction regarding air quality management [https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/devise-concrete-plans-to-curb-air-pollution-hc-to-bmc-mpcb-101766518273288.html]. 4. **Urgent Action Required**: The court has called for immediate and concrete plans to address the worsening air quality, emphasizing that pollution norms should not exist merely on paper [https://www.outlookindia.com/national/bombay-high-court-pulls-up-bmc-mpcb-over-failure-to-curb-air-pollution]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Project Approvals**: The BMC has sanctioned over 125 major projects despite the ongoing air quality crisis, which the court described as "beyond control" [https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/bombay-hc-bmc-air-pollution-125-big-projects-sanctioned-10437509]. - **Non-Compliance Findings**: A court-appointed panel reported significant non-compliance with pollution control guidelines at various construction sites, including major infrastructure projects [https://dnanews.in/mumbai-air-pollution-hc-summons-bmc-chief-over-polluting-infra-sites-non-compliance-found-at-36-sites]. - **Health Implications**: The court highlighted that the right to life, which includes clean air, is a fundamental right applicable to all citizens, particularly the underprivileged [https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/dec/23/bombay-hc-slams-bmc-pollution-board-over-air-quality-says-authorities-failed-to-ensure-compliance]. ### Conclusion and Implications The Bombay High Court's strong stance against the BMC's negligence in managing air pollution underscores the urgent need for effective governance in urban planning and environmental protection. 1. **Immediate Action Required**: The BMC must halt new project approvals until it can demonstrate effective pollution control measures. 2. **Enhanced Monitoring**: Regular and rigorous monitoring of construction sites is essential to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 3. **Accountability of Officials**: The court's summons of BMC and MPCB officials indicates a push for accountability and transparency in environmental governance. 4. **Public Health Priority**: The court's emphasis on the right to clean air highlights the critical intersection of public health and urban development, necessitating a balanced approach to future projects [https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/devise-concrete-plans-to-curb-air-pollution-hc-to-bmc-mpcb-101766518273288.html][https://www.outlookindia.com/national/bombay-high-court-pulls-up-bmc-mpcb-over-failure-to-curb-air-pollution].