The Bombay High Court expressed sharp displeasure on Friday over the "indifferent attitude" of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) toward Mumbai's worsening air quality, with AQI averaging 270 in the 'poor' category this week and recent readings around 172-197 (unhealthy). Hearing petitions including a 2023 suo motu case, a bench led by Chief Justice Chandrashekhar criticized superficial measures like mandating pollution monitors at construction sites without ground-level enforcement. The court dismissed state claims blaming Ethiopian volcanic ash, noting poor AQI predated the eruption, and urged mask-wearing in crowded areas like railway stations.​

In response, the court appointed a special committee comprising amicus curiae representatives, BMC, MPCB, and Public Health Department officials to inspect worst-hit sites, verify compliance, and report by December 15. It mandated BMC to finalize a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for construction without further delays from IIT consultations, emphasizing cancellation of permits for repeat violators despite financial considerations. The bench highlighted public projects, industries, and chemical units as equal culprits, directing MPCB for stricter oversight. BMC reported issuing stop-work notices to 53 sites and cleaning 750 km of roads post Thursday's hearing.​

Health impacts are mounting, with doctors noting surges in eye irritation, coughs, sore throats, and asthma exacerbations, particularly among children, elderly, and lung patients. Residents like Marine Drive regulars report breathing difficulties and skipped routines due to smog, while BMC announced measures like leaf-fences, water spraying, misting machines, electric buses, and sensor installations per October 2024 guidelines. If AQI exceeds 200, GRAP-4 closures loom for polluting sites.​

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Low wind speeds (13 km/h) trap pollutants like PM2.5 (94-117 µg/m³) and PM10 (117-151 µg/m³), fueling comparisons to Delhi's crisis. The court stressed tree preservation and new plantations, warning that paper measures since March 2023 must translate to action to safeguard public health.​

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