Unauthorised dumping of construction debris, garbage and soil has been reported on government land within the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Aarey Milk Colony, raising concerns over damage to the area’s natural environment.
On June 30 at around 11.30 am, Assistant Security Officer Vijay Bhagoji Wagh and his team found an estimated six to seven dumper loads of waste on government land near the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR).
The site was subsequently inspected by Aarey Milk Colony Chief Executive Officer Shrikant Shirpurkar. A panchnama was prepared in the presence of two independent witnesses, following which the Aarey administration directed that legal action be initiated against those responsible.
Aarey Land Used For Illegal Dumping
An official from the Aarey CEO’s office said, “During patrolling, when our team reached the spot, they found that around six to seven dumpers of debris, including garbage and soil, had allegedly been dumped on government land within the Aarey Milk Colony jurisdiction by unknown persons.”
Following an administrative directive issued on July 16, 2026, an FIR was registered at the Aarey Milk Colony police station on August 10. The case was registered under Section 329(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against unidentified individuals. Police are investigating the matter and attempting to identify those responsible for transporting and dumping the material without the required permissions.
Environmentalists Seek Tighter Monitoring
Stalin D, environmentalist and member of NGO Vanashakti, called for stronger surveillance and restrictions on the movement of dumpers in Aarey.
“Movement of dumpers inside Aarey must be stopped completely or at least from 5 pm to 10 am. We already have a situation where three lakh tonnes of debris were dumped along Mithi River in Aarey, and the case went to the National Green Tribunal. Boards announcing this restriction must be put up. Informers who can provide GPS-tagged photos of dumpers inside Aarey must be rewarded financially, and their names kept confidential. CCTV cameras at every junction are a must, and Aarey police should have a control room to monitor these vehicles. We see patrol cars stopping couples, but we are yet to see cops seize any vehicle engaged in illegal dumping.”
Environmental Risks
Construction waste can degrade soil, bury vegetation and affect natural regeneration. During rainfall, cement and other pollutants may enter drains and water bodies. Debris can also obstruct natural drainage channels, increasing waterlogging and flooding risks.
Continued dumping may further damage wildlife habitats, disrupt animal movement and make ecological restoration of affected areas more difficult.
Source: Mid-Day
