The Bombay High Court, on Friday, initiated suo moto proceedings regarding the growing issue of garbage accumulation along Mumbai's coastline.

A division bench, led by Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice M.M. Sathaye, has registered a suo moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in response to alarming findings of microplastics in the intestines of fish, which subsequently enter the human food chain.

The court voiced its apprehension over the environmental and health repercussions stemming from this pollution, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the city's marine ecosystem.

“We have taken a suo moto cognizance of PIL in relation to garbage on the shore in Bombay due to microplastic as per the report in TOI. The report is based on the study of the Central Fishery Research Institute (ICAR) based in Mumbai. The fish, in their intestine, micro polythene is found which in turn consumed by you,” the court said.

The bench further noted that the garbage obstructs the flow of floodwaters, preventing them from returning to the sea.

“There is another study, where due to flood, the garbage created a hurdle for flood water to return. It will cause severe damage to residents. The Nariman point….I don’t know,” Chief Justice Upadhyaya said.

The court described the situation as "horrifying," referencing an area in the Pacific Ocean where garbage accumulation spans approximately 1.6 million square kilometers, roughly the size of France.

“It is very horrifying. It is not only causing danger to marine life but humans also. Just see…there is an area in the middle of the Pacific Ocean called the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’. It is 1.6 million square which is roughly the area of France. It is intermixed with bigger trash,” the court said.

The bench stated that the Advocate General, Government Pleader, Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Board, and the Union Ministry will provide assistance in the suo moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL).