MUMBAI: Amid the growing concern over illegal debris dumping across Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sanctioned a private trust to use an open space in Charkop for dumping rubble and stones.
This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly among residents of the Highland Complex gated community, who have witnessed the extensive dumping operations carried out by a sizable workforce with machinery. A civic official from the solid waste management (SWM) department justified the permission, explaining that the BMC can issue such authorisations for a year if the site meets specified criteria. The site in Charkop was registered on the Auto DCR portal for debris dumping and received approval with the deputy municipal commissioner’s consent. Data from the SWM department reveals that between November 2023 and May 2024, ₹49.81 lakh was collected in fines for illegal debris dumping across 24 wards. The highest penalties were imposed in S ward, Bhandup (₹7.65 lakh), K East ward, Andheri East (₹7 lakh), and E ward, Byculla (₹7 lakh). In contrast, no fines were recorded in D ward, Malabar Hill; F South ward, Parel; G North ward, Dadar; R Central ward, Borivali West; and R North ward, Dahisar.
Complaint statistics also highlight significant trouble spots. Bhandup led with 245 complaints, followed by Govandi (151), Kurla (65), and Dongri, Pydhonie, and Bhendi Bazaar (61 each). Conversely, A ward in Colaba and G South ward in Worli each recorded only one complaint. To mitigate the issue, the BMC provides an on-call service for the collection and disposal of construction waste, handling up to 300 metric tonnes at nominal charges. “Typically, complaints pertain to debris dumped at street corners,” stated the civic official. “The standard procedure involves contacting the relevant BMC ward to arrange debris removal. While debris may originate from domestic remodelling or slum demolition, the bulk stems from redevelopment activities.”
Several parcels of land in Mumbai, belonging to entities such as the Salt Commissioner, Mumbai Port Authority, MTNL, and the collector, remain unsecured, making them susceptible to illegal debris dumping. A recent incident in Aarey Milk Colony exemplifies the ongoing problem. A massive pile of debris was dumped along the Mithi river banks, leading to a jurisdictional dispute between the BMC and Aarey Milk Colony authorities. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) intervened, mandating the formation of a committee to determine responsibility for debris removal. This committee will decide the relocation of debris from the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road near Tapeshwar Mandir, including financial and logistical considerations. As the BMC continues to grapple with the debris issue, the decision to permit dumping in Charkop’s open space remains contentious, drawing criticism from residents and environmental advocates alike. The situation underscores the need for more stringent policies and effective enforcement to manage urban waste responsibly.
