Mumbai: While the BMC is preparing to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the Bombay High Court’s (HC) ruling that declared the Kanjurmarg landfill as protected mangrove forest and ordered its restoration, local residents are opposing the move.
Residents of Vikhroli, Bhandup, Kanjurmarg, and Nahur has launched a signature campaign, demanding the removal of the dump to protect public health.
Mumbai generates 6,500 metric tons (MT) of solid waste daily, with about 5,900 MT sent to the Kanjurmarg facility for scientific treatment and rest to Deonar dump yard. On May 2, the Bombay HC declared 120 hectares of the 141-hectare landfill as protected forest under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. With Kanjurmarg being the city’s only dumping site, civic officials fear that its sudden closure could cripple the city's waste management.
Vikhrolikar Vikas Manch (VVM), a local residents’ group, strongly opposes the BMC’s move and urges authorities to comply with the court order by shifting the dump site within three months.
Amit Desai, a local resident, said, "The foul odor, especially at night, forces residents within a 3 km radius to keep doors and windows shut. The dumping site causes serious health issues like coughing, asthma, and skin diseases. We understand the city needs a dump site, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of residents' health."
Sanjay Yevle, president of VVM, said, "Along with a PIL filed by Vanshakti, a Mumbai-based NGO, we have also filed a separate PIL in the HC regarding the issue, with a hearing expected in June. Our petition aligns with the recent HC ruling and reinforces the demand for relocating the Kanjurmarg dumping ground. The civic body must urgently find an alternative site and free residents from the hazards posed by the Kanjurmarg landfill. Local doctors joined our protest on Wednesday, highlighting the serious health issues caused by the dump. Over 10,000 residents have signed a petition demanding its removal. We will soon meet Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to submit our demand letter."
Meanwhile, a senior civic official said, “Without an immediate substitute, halting dumping overnight could paralyse Mumbai, as 90% of its waste is processed there. So, If SC too order to vacate, we’ll seek time to find an alternative site and bio-mine the Kanjurmarg land."
