Odd-even rule for cars in Mumbai too? May be

The Bombay High Court on Friday issued notices to the state government, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Regional Transport Office (RTO), asking them to file their reply within two weeks on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to introduce odd-even rule for private cars in Mumbai.

In addition, the division bench of justices V M Kanade and Revati Mohite Dere observed, "The recent floods in Chennai were due to unplanned constructions. Even in Mumbai, there is so much construction on the wetlands. The city too will face a similar situation." The court also raised concerns over the increasing level of pollution in the city and rest of the country.

The PIL filed by Shadaab Patel contended that the city residents were facing health problems as carbon monoxide emitted from vehicles and burning of solid waste by the municipal corporation were causing pollution. It also stated that Mumbai, which has lesser number of vehicles than Delhi, tops in vehicular emission due to congested roads, lack of space to expand because of the sea coast and the rising number of diesel vehicles.

The plea added that Delhi implemented the odd-even traffic pattern because of poor air quality, and a similar exercise should be undertaken in Mumbai to bring down the air pollution level. The PIL has sought a direction to the authorities to set up a committee to analyse air pollution and implement remedies.