Over 14,000 residents of Vikhroli have strongly opposed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) decision to approach the Supreme Court against a Bombay High Court order mandating the restoration of mangrove forest on a portion of the Kanjurmarg dumping ground.
This unprecedented civic backlash highlights a growing demand for sustainable urban governance and environmental accountability in one of Mumbai’s eastern suburbs struggling with pollution and ecological degradation. The High Court had earlier directed the BMC to restore a section of the dumping ground back to mangrove forest within a three-month deadline. Mangroves serve as vital green lungs and natural buffers against coastal flooding, contributing to the city’s ecological balance and climate resilience. Despite this, the civic body moved to challenge the order at the apex court, sparking widespread discontent among local residents who have been living with the adverse effects of the landfill site for years.
A citizens’ forum from Vikhroli spearheaded a signature campaign on May 15, collecting approximately 14,000 endorsements from residents demanding that the BMC comply with the High Court directive rather than prolonging legal battles. The collected petitions will be formally presented to the Municipal Commissioner, underscoring strong grassroots advocacy for environmental restoration. This level of public engagement signals a shift towards community-led pressure for ecologically sustainable urban development in Mumbai. Medical professionals residing in the area have added their voices, urging the municipal authorities to prioritise health and environmental wellbeing by promptly restoring the mangrove ecosystem. These practitioners have expressed concern about the deteriorating air quality and health risks posed by the landfill, which releases foul odours and airborne pollutants affecting the respiratory health of nearby populations.
The issue has also triggered public demonstrations, with residents staging protests at the Vikhroli railway station to draw broader attention to the environmental and health crisis exacerbated by the dumping ground. Activists highlight the increasing challenges posed by air pollution and vector-borne diseases, particularly as the monsoon season approaches and stagnant water around the landfill becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes transmitting illnesses such as dengue and malaria. According to community representatives, the location of the dumping ground near densely populated residential areas raises serious questions about the suitability of waste management strategies that neglect residents’ quality of life. They advocate relocating waste disposal operations to more remote locations, at least 10 to 20 kilometres away from residential zones, to mitigate health hazards and environmental damage.
Experts in urban ecology and sustainable development weigh in on the matter by emphasising the ecological significance of mangroves in urban settings like Mumbai. Mangroves not only support biodiversity but also act as crucial carbon sinks, playing a pivotal role in the city’s efforts to combat climate change and achieve zero net carbon targets. Their destruction or neglect undermines resilience to climate shocks, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The BMC’s decision to contest the High Court ruling at the Supreme Court has been criticised by environmentalists and citizen groups alike, who argue that administrative resistance delays urgently needed restorative action and prolongs ecological harm. They suggest that a collaborative approach involving local communities, environmental experts, and municipal authorities would be more effective in finding practical and equitable solutions.
Municipal officials defend their legal recourse as a procedural right but have been urged to engage meaningfully with residents and environmental stakeholders. Transparency and dialogue could foster trust and lead to improved urban planning that balances developmental pressures with ecological imperatives. The unfolding controversy in Vikhroli reflects broader challenges faced by rapidly urbanising Indian cities, where critical natural ecosystems are often sacrificed for infrastructure and waste management projects without adequate safeguards. It raises fundamental questions about how metropolitan governance structures can integrate sustainability goals, public health priorities, and community participation.
As Mumbai contends with its legacy of environmental degradation and expanding urban footprint, the case of the Kanjurmarg dumping ground stands out as a litmus test for how seriously climate resilience and social equity are embedded within civic policy frameworks. The sustained civic mobilisation from Vikhroli residents signals a growing environmental consciousness demanding that municipal bodies align their actions with the city’s green and equitable future ambitions. The final outcome of the BMC’s Supreme Court plea remains pending, but this episode has already catalysed a critical dialogue on the necessity of protecting mangroves and integrating ecological restoration within Mumbai’s urban development agenda. It underscores the importance of empowering local voices and adopting science-based, sustainable solutions that ensure livable, resilient neighbourhoods.
As city authorities prepare their next steps, the call from Vikhroli is clear safeguard the city’s natural heritage by honouring judicial mandates, prioritising environmental health, and fostering transparent governance that places people and planet at its core.
Vikhroli residents oppose BMC move on mangrove restoration
