Mumbai Court Notes Delays but Praises Diwali Noise Control Drive

A Mumbai bench of the Bombay High Court has noted delays in complying with earlier orders on firecracker pollution, but has also welcomed the recent push by the state and civic administration to control noise and air pollution during Diwali.

The court made these observations in an order passed on October 26, while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation on the subject.

The hearing was conducted by Justice G. S. Kulkarni and Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale. Before the bench, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board submitted affidavits detailing their action plans.

The BMC has appointed Ajay Rane, Deputy Chief Engineer in the Environment Department, as the nodal officer for the initiative. Awareness ads were released in major newspapers on October 22, and television commercials have been running since October 25.

Public messaging has also reached railway stations, bus depots, highways and the civic body's website through hoardings and digital displays. Schools are holding poster competitions and asking students to take an environmental pledge.

For noise complaints, residents can call helpline number 1916. Complaints will be routed straight to the police control room.

Under Central Pollution Control Board directions, the state pollution board will closely track air and noise levels during Diwali 2026, based on a newly prepared protocol and manual.

Deven Bharti told the court that all police station heads have been informed of the High Court's directions. A standard operating procedure is being drafted to enforce bans on unlicensed loudspeakers and the bursting of firecrackers on public streets.

The court highlighted that more than half of Mumbai's population lives in slum clusters. It said awareness meetings in these areas should include corporators and the Chief Executive Officer of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. It also suggested reaching residents through respected community leaders in slums.

On the idea of bringing celebrities into the campaign, the court was clear that public money should not be used. It hoped that film stars and sportspersons would voluntarily support the cause as part of their social responsibility.

Satisfied with the steps taken so far, the court has kept the matter pending for further monitoring.