The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has come down hard on the city administration over Nagpur’s deteriorating air quality, demanding a full account of why recommendations from a joint NEERI-IIT Bombay report submitted in July 2024 remain unimplemented.
During Friday’s hearing, Justices Anil Kilorey and Raj Wakode expressed serious concern after several respondents — including the Nagpur Municipal Corporation — failed to file affidavits, even as the state government submitted its response. The court directed the City Committee and Steering Committee to present detailed minutes of all meetings held so far.
Amicus curiae advocate Shantanu Khedkar told the court that the NEERI-IIT Bombay report had clearly identified ongoing construction projects, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution as Nagpur’s primary air quality threats — with concrete remedial measures suggested. None have been acted upon.
The court also flagged the complete inactivity of the Pollution Control Committee formed under the Centre’s National Clean Air Programme, which was mandated to hold monthly meetings under the leadership of the District Collector and NMC Commissioner.
Meanwhile, Nagpur residents are paying the price — respiratory illnesses, asthma and chest infections are rising sharply across the city.
The High Court has ordered the administration to present a full compliance report at the next hearing.
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