Mumbai: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) imposed a hefty fine of Rs 10.2 crore on the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for illegally dumping garbage in the Diva region between 2016 and 2023, resulting in major environmental damage, including the destruction of mangroves in a notified Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). The fine was levied on July 2, following a directive issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
According to MPCB, the penalty amount has been calculated as environmental compensation for the damage caused and will cover the period from 2023 to 2025, during which the TMC failed to clear the illegally dumped waste. The accumulated garbage was reportedly left untreated and continued to harm the surrounding ecosystem.
TMC Illegally Using CRZ Land In Diva: NGO Vanashakti Foundation
The case originated in 2023 when the NGO Vanashakti Foundation approached the NGT, alleging that the TMC had been illegally using CRZ land in Diva for dumping waste since 2016. The NGO pointed out that the dumping not only violated environmental regulations but also led to the destruction of mangroves, which are ecologically sensitive and protected by law.
Stalin D, the founder of Vanashakti, stated that the abandoned dump continues to release strong odours and harmful leachates, posing serious health hazards to nearby residents. “The site remains a festering health and environmental risk,” he said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
Dumping Operations Shifted, Garbage Remains Uncleared
In response to the case, the TMC had gradually shifted its dumping operations first to Bhandarli, located on the outskirts of the city. However, following stiff opposition from local residents, the dumping ground was relocated again, this time to Daighar Gaon. Despite the relocation, the original dumping site in Diva was never cleared, leading to persistent environmental degradation.
While the MPCB has officially announced the fine and its basis, the TMC has not yet issued any formal response or clarification regarding the penalty or future plans to remediate the affected land.
