Waste dumped in open due to absence of nearby dustbins; locals warn the littered streets are harming forest and wildlife; garbage bins have been installed outside slum pockets in Aarey Milk Colony, from where the BMC collects waste daily
Plastic waste lies dumped along a road near a tribal hamlet in Aarey Milk Colony. Pics/Satej Shinde
With the Municipal Corporation elections just days away, residents of tribal hamlets in Aarey Milk Colony have stepped up their demand for an effective garbage collection and disposal system. The absence of regular waste collection has made garbage management a major challenge, often forcing residents to dump waste outside their settlements. Locals warn that the mounting trash is increasingly threatening the surrounding forest ecosystem and wildlife.
Tribal leader Prakash Bhoir said there are around 2700 to 2800 voters in 27 tribal hamlets in Aarey Milk Colony where indigenous residents have lived for generations, yet garbage collection remains a neglected issue.
“The BMC collects waste from slum pockets in Aarey, but our hamlets are ignored. We are appealing to candidates contesting the civic polls to ensure regular garbage collection and proper disposal in tribal hamlets, so that waste is not dumped in the open, which poses a serious threat to wildlife,” Bhoir said.
A site visit by mid-day revealed garbage dumped at multiple locations outside hamlets due to the absence of nearby public dustbins. In contrast, garbage bins have been installed outside slum pockets in Aarey Milk Colony, from where the BMC collects waste daily.
Dilip Jadhav, a tribal resident of Vanichapada, said, “We want the corporator elected from our area to ensure that the forest is protected from encroachment, while ensuring daily garbage pickup.” With no proper system in place, some residents dump waste at common points and later burn it once it accumulates, adding to air pollution.
NGO raises concerns
Aarey resident Sunil Kumre, chairman of Navkshitij Charitable Trust, said he has urged Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Jitendra Valvi, who is contesting from the area, to ensure daily garbage collection from tribal hamlets and slum pockets if elected. “Currently, BMC garbage trucks visit these areas only once every two or three days, leading to a pile-up of waste and a foul stench. I have also demanded that large community dustbins be placed outside every tribal hamlet so residents can dispose of garbage properly,” Kumre said.
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