Mumbai’s Aarey Colony finds itself under siege from rampant illegal dumping activities orchestrated by the city’s land mafia.
Cement residue, debris, and murum have been surreptitiously deposited within the colony’s confines, raising concerns about environmental degradation and collusion with local authorities. Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that the scale of illegal dumping over the past 20 days has been staggering, with several hundred trucks implicated in the illicit activities. Suspicions abound regarding the complicity of Aarey officials, who are alleged to be turning a blind eye to the clandestine operations.
The nefarious dumping operations commenced with the disposal of cement residue in the vicinity of Unit 21, situated perilously close to the boundary wall of L&T and in proximity to the Metro Line 3 car shed. Despite the blatant nature of the activity, locals have remained reticent, fearing reprisals from the perpetrators.
Concerns were brought to the forefront by Aarey Conservation activist, Amrita, whose investigations uncovered fresh tyre marks from trucks and conspicuous deposits of cement residue and debris in the valley. The wanton destruction of the pristine environment has raised alarms among environmentalists and residents alike. Notably, Aarey has been plagued by a history of illegal dumping, dating back to 2020 when debris began accumulating along the banks of the Mithi river. The precarious situation has prompted interventions from environmental bodies and the National Green Tribunal, yet tangible action to address the issue remains elusive. As the specter of environmental degradation looms large over Aarey Colony, urgent measures are required to curtail the insidious practice of illegal dumping and safeguard the ecological integrity of this vital green lung in the heart of Mumbai.
