Unauthorised dumping allegedly continues at the Lokhandwala backwater area despite an ₹87 crore penalty imposed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), prompting the Mumbai Suburban District Collector to order criminal action against those responsible.
The matter came up during a review meeting between Mumbai North West MP Ravindra Waikar and Mumbai Suburban District Collector Saurabh Katiyar, where around 30 pending issues from across the constituency were discussed.
According to civic officials, hundreds of trucks are reportedly carrying material to the Lokhandwala backwater area every day. The dumping is allegedly being carried out in the name of Maharashtra National Law University despite the MPCB penalty. Katiyar instructed MPCB officials attending the meeting to initiate a criminal case and directed the monitoring team to take strict note of the continued activity.
The meeting also examined alleged irregularities at Kalpataru Estate in Jogeshwari East. Waikar raised concerns over the developer receiving an Occupation Certificate despite certain amenities meant to be handed over to the BMC allegedly remaining incomplete. Allegations involving tree cutting and large-scale variations were also discussed. The BMC has already registered a police case, while Katiyar ordered its Building Proposal and Development Planning departments to conduct a detailed inquiry within 15 days.
Several BMC markets awaiting redevelopment were also discussed, including Navalakar Market, Nirmalatai Ragiwar Market, Versova-Yari Road Market, Dattaji Salvi Market and Sukhi Machhi Market. The Collector asked the BMC to coordinate with his office to update relevant 7/12 land records.
Pending Development Plan roads were reviewed as well, with authorities directed to prioritise projects aimed at improving connectivity and reducing congestion. The meeting further covered traffic issues around NESCO, alleged unauthorised construction at Royal Palms, tribal rehabilitation in Goregaon East and a tree-cutting complaint involving Raheja Developers.
Officials were directed to complete land demarcation and conduct inspections wherever necessary. Representatives from the BMC, traffic police, Aarey, PWD, City Survey department and MPCB attended the meeting.
Source: Mid-day
