India, March 6 -- The Bombay High Court on Thursday observed that pollution originating from adjoining cities such as Thane, Navi Mumbai and Panvel could be significantly contributing to Mumbai's deteriorating air quality, and suggested that authorities examine preventive measures beyond municipal boundaries.

The court had taken suo motu cognisance in October 2023 of rising pollution levels in the metropolis, noting that the air quality index frequently fluctuated between "good, satisfactory, moderate, poor, very poor and severe".

On November 6, 2023, the court issued several directions to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other authorities to take steps to mitigate pollution and submit suggestions for short-, medium- and...