The Bombay High Court has expressed concern over persistent foul odours and pollution from the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, warning that it may issue “drastic orders” if the situation is not brought under control. The court has also questioned elected representatives over their responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their respective wards.
A bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale made these observations while hearing several petitions, including one filed by Kannamwar Nagar CHS Association Ltd. The pleas highlight complaints of unpleasant odours, toxic gas emissions and health risks faced by residents living near the dumping site.
The judges questioned why corporators and councillors appeared to be focusing on criticising the civic administration instead of demonstrating what they had done to prevent garbage from accumulating on public roads.
“We are not fully happy with the steps taken. Sometimes the situation is fine and sometimes it is not. Things need to be under control now,” the bench said, expressing dissatisfaction with the results of repeated interventions.
It observed that measures such as installing sprinklers were temporary solutions that failed to tackle the underlying waste management problem. The court stressed the need for improved segregation at source and a decentralised approach to handling garbage.
“We feel something different needs to be done now. On-site segregation needs to be done differently,” the bench observed, referring to continued complaints about foul smells, particularly during morning hours.
The court also announced plans to appoint a three-member panel of advocates as amici curiae to assist in the proceedings. It directed the Municipal Commissioner to explore decentralised waste segregation, undertake ward-level garbage audits and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.
The civic chief must also take action against ward officers responsible for allowing waste to accumulate and submit details of the measures taken.
Questioning elected representatives, the judges remarked, “Show us one corporator who has shown steps taken. And you want votes. What do you do?”
The court had earlier, on October 22, asked the Slum Rehabilitation Authority to examine deterrent action against repeat garbage dumping, including possible forfeiture of permanent alternate accommodation rights.
Source: The Free Press Journal
