Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has raised red flags over the continued use of common municipal dumping grounds in densely populated urban areas, particularly the Kanjurmarg site in Mumbai.
The court stressed the urgent need for a long-term, scientific, and environmentally sound waste management system, warning that locating dumping grounds within city limits poses grave public health and environmental risks.
A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif Doctor, on June 30, suggested that municipal corporations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) collectively consider clubbing their dumping grounds at a common site away from human habitation.
The court was hearing a PIL filed by environmental group Vanashakti, which challenged the environmental clearance granted by the State Government for using the Kanjurmarg site as a dumping ground. Vanashakti’s advocate Zaman Ali argued that the appropriate authority to grant such clearance was the Central Government.
“This petition involves seminal issues of immense public importance, inter alia in regard to disposal of municipal solid waste,” the bench observed. Residents near the site have complained of severe odour and air pollution, which the court noted has impacted thousands of people.
The judges made it clear that the State Government, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and other MMR municipal bodies must rethink their dependence on city-based dumping grounds. They called for a coordinated, regional approach to identify and develop modern, compliant waste disposal facilities outside residential zones.
“We are of the prima facie opinion that the State Government and municipal corporations in MMR need to give serious thought to the consequences of municipal dumping grounds being located in city areas,” the bench said, stressing the need for modern amenities that meet environmental protection norms.
Referring to the haze and pollution level in Mumbai, the court remarked, “Only those who suffer such pollution know their plight. This needs to be realistically considered by those at the helm of affairs.” It noted that pollution from dumping grounds spreads across the city via air currents, worsening air quality.
Terming the situation a “gross failure” on the part of municipal authorities, the court said citizens’ fundamental right to a clean and pollution-free environment must be upheld. “There cannot be an adhocism on such issues,” it stated, emphasizing the need for permanent, well-planned facilities located away from human habitation.
Senior Counsel Anil Sakhare, appearing for the BMC, and Additional Government Pleader Jyoti Chavan assured the court that necessary instructions would be sought from concerned authorities.
The court adjourned the matter to July 8, expressing hope that the State and BMC would act in the larger public interest. In May, it had restored 119.91 hectares of the Kanjurmarg site as protected forest but allowed temporary use for three months to find alternatives.
