The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) a respondent in a case concerning alleged waste dumping and mangrove destruction in the Diva-Mumbra creek area. The order, passed on August 21, came on a petition filed by environmental organisation Vanashakti, which has alleged damage to nearly 27 hectares of mangroves and CRZ-I protected land.
The case concerns the alleged dumping of municipal solid waste as well as construction and demolition (C&D) debris in the environmentally sensitive area. A joint inspection conducted by Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials on April 16 reportedly found a dumper unloading municipal waste at the site.
The inspection team also observed legacy waste and C&D material being spread and levelled using JCBs and other machinery. A substantial portion of the creek-side area was found covered with accumulated legacy and construction waste.
Following the inspection, the MPCB directed the TMC to initiate immediate corrective measures and ensure that further dumping was stopped.
However, environmentalist and Vanashakti director Stalin Dayanand, who is also the petitioner, questioned the civic authorities’ response and demanded stronger action.
“If a civic body is mandated by law to prevent such dumping, how can they simply say that the waste is being dumped by BMC?” he asked. “They should instead register an FIR, identify those responsible and ensure that the dumping stops at the earliest.”
Vanashakti has alleged that continued dumping has buried mangrove pneumatophores, which are essential for the plants’ survival, while also restricting natural tidal movement and damaging protected CRZ-I wetlands. The organisation has sought removal of the accumulated waste and action under the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
The NGT had previously imposed environmental compensation of ₹10.2 crore on the TMC in connection with the matter.
BMC Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Kiran Dighavkar said the civic body had not been provided evidence proving its involvement.
“At present, no factual evidence supporting the allegation against BMC has been brought to our notice,” he said. “The BMC will place its factual position before the Hon’ble NGT as a respondent in the matter.”
Source: Hindustan Times
