Mumbai’s Chandivali neighbourhood is once again grappling with hazardous air pollution as illegal bhatti operations resume unabated, endangering the health of hundreds of residents.
Despite repeated demolition drives and official warnings, these unauthorised industrial units continue to emit toxic fumes from melting hazardous materials in close proximity to homes. This persistent environmental hazard has escalated concerns about respiratory illnesses and diminished quality of life in one of the city’s most densely populated areas. For months, residents around Chandivali Nahar and Khairani Road have endured thick plumes of foul-smelling smoke emanating from illegal chimneys, or ‘bhattis’, operating clandestinely, often at night to avoid detection. Unlike earlier operations that primarily melted aluminium, these new units process materials such as zinc, lead, and sulphur, releasing far more harmful gases including acidic fumes. The result is a pervasive pall of pale white smoke with a metallic stench that causes immediate throat irritation and respiratory distress, especially for children, senior citizens, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The affected communities have repeatedly alerted authorities, filing complaints and engaging with local government representatives, but tangible relief remains elusive. A senior official overseeing the area confirmed that although several demolition drives were conducted between April 2023 and January 2025, the illegal units are swiftly re-established, often within 48 hours, perpetuating the cycle of pollution. The operations intensify after 9 pm, when monitoring is less stringent, leaving residents vulnerable through the night. One resident expressed deep frustration, describing how the chimneys are located mere metres from their homes and lamenting the lack of sustained government intervention. Another noted the slow response to complaints filed as recently as May, highlighting the community’s growing sense of abandonment amidst worsening environmental conditions.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has been instructed by the Bombay High Court to conduct immediate assessments and implement preventive measures in the affected areas. However, enforcement challenges persist, complicated by the locality’s status as a slum pocket, where coordination between various municipal departments, police, and environmental agencies is critical but difficult. Officials from the L Ward have stated they are drafting a comprehensive joint action plan involving law enforcement and environmental regulators to address the issue decisively. So far, approximately 50 illegal bhattis have been demolished, with further actions planned to curb the resurgence of these polluting units. Yet, the cycle of demolition and reactivation highlights deeper systemic gaps in urban governance and industrial regulation.
Community leaders insist that their opposition is not towards the existence of such units per se, but rather their illegal and environmentally damaging operations. They advocate for strict licensing and compliance with pollution control norms, urging authorities to temporarily seal non-compliant units until they meet environmental safety standards. This approach would align with broader city goals of achieving zero net carbon emissions and fostering sustainable, equitable urban environments. The resurgence of illegal bhattis in Chandivali underscores the complex interplay between urban industrial activities, environmental justice, and public health. It exposes the vulnerabilities faced by marginalised communities living in close quarters with hazardous industries and highlights the urgent need for integrated policy solutions that balance economic livelihoods with environmental sustainability.
As Mumbai strives towards becoming a greener, healthier city, addressing such neighbourhood-level pollution crises is imperative. Stronger enforcement mechanisms, community engagement, and sustained monitoring will be essential to break the cycle of pollution and ensure the right to clean air for all citizens.
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