Need time to frame phase-out policy: State

Mumbai: The state said it needs more time to conduct an in-depth study before framing a policy to phase out diesel and petrol vehicles from Mumbai and permit only those using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric charge if feasible. Such a policy would have a cascading effect on a large section of the population and also the economy of the country.
Hence, a detailed and extensive study is required, which is time-consuming, the state said in a suo motu PIL initiated by the HC to tackle rising air pollution in the city.
The joint transport commissioner, in an affidavit submitted before a bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M S Karnik on Monday, stated that in Jan, the department set up an expert committee to comprehensively study the parameters. It said the panel cannot set a deadline but assured that the study would be completed expeditiously.
The govt, in an affidavit filed on April 17 and submitted to a bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M S Karnik on Monday, said special checks on polluting vehicles are carried out by ‘flying squads' set up in 2023 by the transport commissioner, deployed at five entry points to Mumbai. The HC adjourned the matter to April 29 for further hearing.