Mumbai smog: Bombay High Court slams civic bodies for neglecting construction workers’ safety
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Bombay High Court criticized the BMC and MPCB for failing to protect construction workers from hazardous air pollution, emphasizing the constitutional duty to safeguard the environment.
Background
The Bombay High Court issued orders to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) regarding smog and construction site safety. The court mandated immediate enforcement measures including water fogging, debris covering, and sensor-based monitoring.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyBMC: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is the local governing body for Mumbai.
- BodyMPCB: Maharashtra Pollution Control Board is the state body responsible for pollution control.
- FactCourt-mandated measures include water fogging, debris covering, and sensor-based monitoring.
- FactThe court highlighted the constitutional duty of authorities to protect the environment.
For Mains
Q. Examine the institutional and regulatory gaps in managing urban air pollution and ensuring the occupational safety of construction workers in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory oversight: Lack of proactive enforcement by MPCB and BMC despite available pollution data
- Occupational hazards: Vulnerability of construction workers to hazardous air quality in high-density urban zones
- Constitutional mandate: Balancing rapid infrastructure development with the fundamental right to a clean environment
Keywords: Occupational Safety · Urban Air Quality · Regulatory Enforcement · Constitutional Duty · Environmental Governance
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.