The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has threatened to cancel the work order of a dry waste agency after one of its collection vehicles was allegedly caught dumping waste into the Mogra nullah near Lokhandwala in Andheri on September 14.
The incident took place at around 10.30am and was recorded on video by a resident of Green Acres housing society, which overlooks the waterway. The video was shared with the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association before being brought to the attention of civic authorities through a complaint on X.
The BMC’s K/West ward office issued a show-cause notice dated September 15 to Akar Mumbai, which operates three dry waste sorting centres in the division. The civic body said the vehicle was seen emptying waste into the creek or nullah on the rear road of Lokhandwala. It also enclosed the vehicle’s Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System report with the notice.
According to the BMC, waste collected by dry waste vehicles must be taken to a designated dry waste sorting centre. Describing the incident as “very serious” and a violation of the work order, the civic body asked the agency to explain within 48 hours why the vehicle was emptied into the waterway.
The notice warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could lead to cancellation of the work order and closure of the dry waste sorting centre operated by the organisation. The vehicle travel report generated on September 15 identifies the vehicle and lists Anshuman & Co as the contractor. The report covers the vehicle’s movements between September 13 and September 14.
The incident has also raised concern among residents about the monitoring of waste collection vehicles and the possible movement of waste into Mumbai’s waterways. Residents said dry waste collection vehicles are deployed periodically in the area, with different days assigned for different categories of waste. While some households segregate dry waste and hand it over separately, residents said mixed waste is also collected.
Residents described the dumping of collected waste into the nullah as particularly concerning because the waterway eventually flows towards the sea. They have sought strict action against those responsible and stronger monitoring of collection vehicles.
Dhaval Shah of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association said authorities responded after residents reported the lapse. “The authorities were very proactive when they were informed about the lapse by the contractor. They have assured us that action will be taken to ensure that such practices are not repeated,” Shah said.
The agency’s response to the show-cause notice will determine whether the BMC proceeds with cancellation of the work order or closure of the associated sorting centre. The civic body’s 48-hour deadline is the next stated step in the matter.
