Mumbai/IBNS/UNI: The Bombay High Court extended a series of crucial directives regarding air quality in Mumbai until November 19 and continued the transportation of construction debris from the city's construction sites.

Additionally, the court has modified its previous order regarding the bursting of firecrackers, now permitting it from 8 pm to 10 pm.

The earlier directive had allowed the bursting of crackers from 7 pm to 10 pm.

During a hearing on Friday, the bench noted that Mumbai was witnessing a decline in the bursting of firecrackers.

"Let's not become Delhi. Let's remain Mumbaikars," Chief Justice Upadhyaya said.

The bench said there are some critical areas of the city where the air quality index (AQI) remains poor.

"We are in an emergent and drastic situation. A lot of efforts have been taken, but maybe something more needs to be done," the court said.

The court's decision reflects an ongoing effort to regulate and address the deteriorating air quality across the city.

The court, currently presiding over a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning air pollution, has taken significant steps to mitigate the problem.

The source of pollution also needs to be ascertained, the court said, while emphasising the need for a study by experts to understand the causes.

"Is there any study as to the nature of this pollution? Is it only dust or is there any chemical component in it? Because we are seeing many hospitals flooded with patients with respiratory illness," the court said.

The court will hear the matter further on December 11.

During the hearing, it was noted that the problem of air pollution would recur.

"What needs to be done is a study by experts to go into causes and also measures to mitigate the pollution. We are not experts," the court said, adding that a constant monitoring mechanism was also needed.