As part of an ambitious effort to contain increasing levels of air pollution in Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court has called for phasing out diesel vehicles and kilns fired by traditional wood and coal into cleaner technologies. The court insisted on urgency as it heard a Public Interest Litigation filed about the degrading air quality in Mumbai and the surrounding regions.The Court's Observations A division bench headed by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor expressed serious concern over the health hazards caused by increasing air pollution. Referring to reports highlighting the adverse impact of diesel emissions, the bench suggested that the government work towards a systematic phasing out of diesel vehicles, particularly those older than 15 years. According to the court, major contributors to the increasing PM2.5 in the atmosphere are diesel-run vehicles, that have a considerable impact on people's health: respiratory and heart diseases. According to the judgement, cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur are already exposed to alarming air quality levels; therefore, urgency is required here. Targeting Traditional Kilns Another important observation made by the court in this regard has been the massive environmental damage attributed to traditional kilns fired up with wood or coal, generally used in any industry like that of brick manufacturing as well as any bakery operation. The bench directed that these kilns should be gradually substituted with environmentally sustainable electric or gas powered kilns. The court asked the state government to find ways to help small-scale industries shift to greener technologies. Subsidies or incentives were proposed as a possible means of helping them make this shift. Role of Government Agencies The Bombay High Court further criticized the inadequacy of the enforcement of environmental laws by state agencies. It appealed to the MPCB and RTO to team up for stringent implementation of already existing norms pertaining to vehicular emissions and industrial pollutants. The court further ordered the state government to submit an action plan detailing timelines for phasing out diesel vehicles and traditional kilns, besides strategies for monitoring air quality improvement. Impact on Public Health The court has stressed on guidelines on air quality from the World Health Organization, stating how pollution of the air over a long period of time shortens life expectancy and heightens the rate of chronic diseases. Court recommendations are in line with carbon emissions reduction as advocated to benefit human health throughout the world. Conclusion The Bombay High Court has shown urgency by demanding action towards multi-faceted remedies against air pollution. The proposed step of the gradual removal of diesel vehicles and old kilns will provide an example to other states to adopt a similar measure against this type of pollution. Now, the suggestions given by the court await government reaction and action.