Bombay High Court rejects volcanic ash theory for Mumbai’s poor air quality

The Bombay High Court on Thursday (November 27, 2025) dismissed the Maharashtra government’s claim that volcanic ash drifting from Ethiopia was responsible for Mumbai’s worsening air quality, observing that pollution levels had been poor long before the eruption. 

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad was hearing a set of petitions, including a suo motu case initiated in 2023, concerning rising air pollution in the city.  

Senior advocates Darius Khambata and Janak Dwarkadas, representing the petitioners, pointed out that Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently remained in the “very poor” category this month, often crossing 300. 

Additional government pleader Jyoti Chavan argued that the eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia on November 23 had worsened the situation by sending ash clouds across the Indian subcontinent. The eruption produced a plume rising nearly 14km into the atmosphere, disrupting flights and spreading eastward toward India. 

The Bench, however, rejected the explanation. “That eruption happened only two days ago. Even before that, if one stepped out, visibility in Mumbai was poor beyond 500 metres,” the Bench remarked. 

Parallels with Delhi

The court expressed concern over the lack of effective measures to curb pollution and drew parallels with Delhi, which is currently grappling with hazardous AQI levels. “What steps can be taken? What has worked in Delhi?” the judges asked, seeking concrete solutions. 

Advocate Milind Sathe, appearing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), informed the court that some measures were already underway. The BMC has indicated that if AQI readings in certain areas remain above 300 for three consecutive days, it will implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV), which includes halting construction activities — a major contributor to dust pollution. 

The court noted that despite previous directives and monitoring since October 2023, there has been little improvement. It directed authorities to intensify efforts and scheduled the next hearing for Friday.