Over 14,000 residents around Kanjurmarg dumping ground sign petition against civic body’s move to approach SC against HC order to restore ground to mangrove forest
The dumping ground in Kanjurmarg East. Civic officials say there is around 20 lakh tonnes of garbage here. Pic/Dweep Bane
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come under fire for deciding to move the Supreme Court against a recent Bombay High Court (HC) order directing that a portion of the Kanjurmarg dumping ground be restored to a mangrove forest within three months. Over 14,000 Vikhroli residents have signed a letter demanding that the BMC follow the HC’s directive.
Several doctors from Vikhroli have written letters to the civic body, requesting it to follow the high court’s directions at the earliest, and a protest was staged by residents at Vikhroli railway station on Thursday.
An exterior view of the dumping ground in Kanjurmarg East. According to civic officials, there are approximately 20 lakh tonnes of garbage at the site. Pic/Dweep Bane
What are doctors saying?
Doctors have observed that in the past 10 to 12 years, the number of patients residing near the dumping ground complaining about respiratory problems has increased massively. “Patients complaining of constant nausea and breathlessness is an everyday scenario at my clinic. This is a result of poor air quality because of the tonnes of garbage dumped at the Kanjurmarg dump site,” said Dr Yogesh Bhalerao, who runs an ayurvedic clinic in Vikhroli.
(From left) Mario Rodrigues, the Vikhrolikar Vikas Manch member who appealed to authorities to find a practical solution; Vandana Bendre, Vikhroli resident; and Dr Sunny Waykode, who runs a clinic in Kannamwar Nagar, Vikhroli East
Dr Sunny Waykode, who runs a clinic in Kannamwar Nagar, Vikhroli East, said, “Patients, especially children, have developed numerous respiratory and skin allergies and frequently complain of cough, cold and headache. As many children are still at the age when their immunity is being built, poor air quality is hampering their health. This can result in serious respiratory problems such as bronchitis, early-age asthma and lung infections, which can hamper their overall growth.”
He added, “The air quality after 6 pm in our area deteriorates, and walking on the road without a mask becomes impossible. This isn’t just about respiratory issues, but also soil and water pollution. During the monsoon season, mosquito breeding increases massively because of the dumping ground. Hence, the number of malaria and dengue cases is higher in Vikhroli compared to other areas on the central line.”
Sanjay Yelve, president, Vikhrolikar Vikas Manch
Dr Abhijit Kadam, a physician and surgeon running a clinic in Vikhroli, said, “We have been dealing with pollution, foul air and insects for over a decade now because of the dumping ground. It starts with vomiting and escalates to severe skin diseases and even fibrosis and cancer. Now that the high court has given a directive based on all the facts, the corporation should take this matter seriously.”
Residents’ protest
The Vikhrolikar Vikas Manch, a citizens’ group, organised a signature campaign on May 15 from 9 am to 8 pm. Approximately 14,000 residents signed a letter requesting the BMC to follow the HC’s orders, which will be presented to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. “Our question to the BMC and the state government is: Why are you approaching the Supreme Court instead of having a discussion with those affected and trying to solve the problem. The authorities do have the right to appeal to the apex court. But isn’t finding a solution at the ground level a more apt thing to do?” asked Mario Rodrigues, a member of Vikhrolikar Vikas Manch.
Vikhroli, Bhandup and Kanjurmarg have already been witnessing poor air quality as several projects are coming up in the eastern suburbs. “Pollution levels have already increased over the past few years for many reasons. On top of this, we’re facing problems with the dumping ground close by. We are forced to keep our windows closed, especially in the evening, as the smell gets stronger at that time. Because of this, ventilation is compromised,” said Vandana Bendre, a resident of Vikhroli.
“Disposing of garbage correctly is necessary. But why can’t the corporation do it at a faraway place where there are no residential areas within a radius of 10 to 20 km? This way, no one will suffer. It becomes difficult to breathe sometimes, and also, now that the monsoon is approaching, we are attacked by mosquitoes. Every year, it is a given that at least one person from each building in Vikhroli will contract either malaria or dengue,” said Sanjay Yelve, president, Vikhrolikar Vikas Manch.
May 15
Day signature drive was undertaken
‘Setting up dump site is a herculean task’
Kiran Dighavkar, Deputy municipal commissioner, solid waste management
“We have filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court because it is practically impossible to transfer the existing approximately 20 lakh tonnes of garbage that have been generated over the past decade to some other location and to set up a new waste management system within three months. The BMC has been processing and recycling the garbage at the current Kanjurmarg site since 2018. Mumbai generates over 6000 metric tonnes of waste per day. Logistically, it is a Herculean task to set up a new dumping ground and that too in a short timespan.”
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