Bombay High Court Takes Up Light Pollution Case Against Marine Drive Gymkhanas
The Bombay High Court has taken up a petition challenging high-intensity floodlights and illuminated billboards at gymkhanas along Marine Drive, which allegedly cause excessive glare and disturb residents. The petition, filed by Mumbai resident Nilesh Desai, an IT professional and astrophotographer, names establishments including Wilson Gymkhana and seeks regulations to control light pollution in Mumbai and Thane.
A bench led by Chief Justice MC Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna has issued notice to the state government, with the hearing scheduled for November 20. The petition, filed through advocate Ronita Bhattacharya, argues that artificial lighting at night harms human health and sleep cycles, and adversely affects trees and wildlife. It also raises concerns about glare entering homes and creating visibility hazards for motorists.
The plea traces complaints dating back to 2016, including a notice issued by Marine Drive police to Wilson Gymkhana's manager and minutes from a Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee meeting in 2017 that recorded light installations were not permitted in the Marine Drive precinct. Desai had also approached the Mumbai Collector in January 2018 regarding the issue.
