In a first, state acts against light pollution

MUMBAI:THE city district collector has asked Wilson Gymkhana, on Marine Drive, to take down floodlights on its premises, marking the first such action by the government against light pollution in Mumbai. Light pollution refers to excessive or obtrusive manmade light. In extreme cases, long-term exposure to excessive light could cause hallucinations, sleep disorders, and even lead to psychiatric problems.

The government said it issued the order as the gymkhana had not taken permissions to use the floodlights and their high intensity

could cause harm to the residents. The district administration’s order comes almost two years after light pollution complaints were raised by Chira Bazaar resident, Nilesh Desai. HT has a copy of the order.

The collector told HT the government

will take action against the gymkhana if the lights are not removed within a month.

HT first reported about complaints against the lights more than year ago. “We have been following up on the issue, based on complaints, for almost eight months,” said Shivaji Jondale, Mumbai city collector. “We held meetings with the gymkhana, but they did not clarify their stand. When we sent a team to check the status of these lights, we found they were high-intensity ones, and the glare could cause harm.”

Jondale said Wilson Gymkhana did not have the necessary permissions from the civic body or the collector’s office to erect floodlights.

Wilson Gymkhana members, however, said they had approached all departments. Amin Pawar, senior manager, Wilson Gymkhana said they will fight the order.

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