In response to rising concerns over air quality in Mumbai, the Maharashtra government has constituted a seven-member committee to evaluate the feasibility of phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This move comes amidst growing alarm over pollution levels and traffic congestion, both of which significantly impact the city’s environment and quality of life.

According to a government resolution (GR) dated January 22, the committee, chaired by retired IAS officer Sudhir Kumar Shrivastava, will analyse the practicality of implementing such a ban and submit its recommendations within three months. The panel comprises Maharashtra’s transport commissioner, Mumbai’s joint police commissioner (traffic), the managing director of Mahanagar Gas Limited, the project manager of Maharashtra State Power Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran), the president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and the joint transport commissioner (enforcement-1), who will serve as the member secretary.