Only CNG and EVs in Mumbai? Maharashtra sets up panel to explore phasing out petrol, diesel vehicles

The Maharashtra government has constituted a special committee to examine the feasibility of phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), allowing only CNG and electric vehicles, in a bid to curb pollution and ease traffic congestion.

The newly formed panel, headed by retired IAS officer Sudhir Kumar Shrivastava, has been tasked with conducting a detailed study and submitting its recommendations within three months.

"A Special Committee is being constituted to study the issue of restricting the use of petrol and diesel vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and to allow only CNG and electric vehicles and submit a report to the Government," a government resolution dated January 22 stated.

Maharashtra's transport commissioner, Mumbai's joint police commissioner (traffic), managing director of the Mahanagar Gas Limited, project manager of the Maharashtra State Power Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran), president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and joint transport commissioner (enforcement-1) as member secretary are the other six members in the committee.

The decision follows a Bombay high court directive earlier this month when it expressed concern over worsening air quality and their negative impact on the quality of life, environment, and overall sustainability.

Hearing suo-motu a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on January 9, the court pointed out that vehicular emissions are a major source of air pollution and noted that the current measures to control the number of vehicles and pollution in Mumbai are proving inadequate.

It emphasised the need for a thorough study to be conducted on whether it would be “appropriate or feasible to phase out diesel and petrol-driven vehicles.”

The committee will review the high court’s observations and evaluate measures to restrict the use of petrol and diesel vehicles in the region. It will also have the authority to co-opt additional experts and seek external opinions if required, the government added.

The high court also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to ensure that city bakeries using wood and coal convert their units to run on gas or other green fuels within six months instead of the one-year deadline set by the authorities.

It said no new approvals to open bakeries or similar businesses running on coal or wood shall be granted henceforth, and new licences shall be granted after complying with the condition that they use only green fuel.