In an order put out by the Western Indian State of Maharashtra, it stated that a panel to study a proposal to ban petrol and diesel vehicles in Mumbai city has been formed and will only allow electric or gas driven vehicles because of the rise in poor quality air.
If implemented, any ban on Petrol and diesel vehicles in the financial capital may not only affect automobile manufacturers but also the masses and businesses that rely massively on the vehicles.
The Maharashtra government announced the formation of the seven-member committee to evaluate a proposal to ban petrol and diesel vehicles, permitting only electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in the Mumbai metropolitan region, following a court directive. While the government order was issued on January 22, it gained public attention on Tuesday after extensive coverage by Indian media.
Earlier in January, the Bombay High Court, acting on its own public interest litigation, directed the Maharashtra state government to assemble an expert committee to assess the feasibility of phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles.Mumbai, a financial hub, has faced worsening air quality since the pandemic due to rising traffic congestion and ongoing infrastructure projects.India, home to some of the world’s most polluted cities, including New Delhi, sees severe winter air pollution.
The committee will report its findings in three months. Meanwhile, the state is considering requiring certified parking for vehicle registration, according to Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar.
