‘Only those who suffer know the plight’: HC slams unchecked Kanjurmarg dumping ground

Mumbai generates around 7,300 metric tonnes of waste every day, much of which ends up at two massive dumping grounds — Kanjurmarg and Deonar. The court observed with concern that both these sites are embedded within the city’s fabric, surrounded by homes, schools, and offices

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Monday came down heavily on civic and state authorities for failing to rein in the unchecked operations of the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, warning that the site has now turned into a serious environmental and public health hazard.

Mumbai - June 03, 2012 - The newly opened Kanjurmarg dumping ground where 4000 tonnes of waste is dumped everyday at kanjurmarg on sunday, India, June 03, 2012. (Photo by Praful Gangurde) (Hindustan Times)

“Only those who suffer such pollution know their plight,” remarked the division bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Arif Doctor, as they heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by environmental group Vanashakti and others. The PIL challenges the continued dumping of municipal solid waste at the Kanjurmarg site, which is located in the heart of a densely populated area.

Mumbai generates around 7,300 metric tonnes of waste every day, much of which ends up at two massive dumping grounds — Kanjurmarg and Deonar. The court observed with concern that both these sites are embedded within the city’s fabric, surrounded by homes, schools, and offices.

The bench urged the state government, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and adjoining civic bodies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to seriously rethink the consequences of allowing such dumping grounds to operate in urban areas. “A scientific approach is urgently required,” the court said, “with robust, permanent waste management facilities developed outside zones of human habitation, and equipped with modern, environmentally compliant infrastructure.”

Suggesting a more coordinated regional approach, the court proposed that large urban municipalities across the MMR could be clubbed together to identify alternative waste disposal sites — ones that do not compromise the well-being of city residents.

“There cannot be an ad hoc approach to this crisis, especially when lakhs of citizens are directly affected by the pollution and stench that emanates daily from these dumping grounds,” the bench noted. “These sites have become an unfortunate, but integral part of the city. That must change.”

The court also pointed to a broader environmental risk — warning that pollution from the dumping grounds doesn’t remain confined to the local area. Air currents carry foul odours and toxic emissions across the city, it observed, contributing to Mumbai’s worsening air quality. “The haze in the city of Mumbai is created by pollution. A significant part of it stems from smoke and odour generated by these dumping grounds. This contribution cannot be overlooked,” it said.

The justices did not mince words when speaking about the failure of municipal authorities. They said the administration had failed to safeguard citizens’ fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, and that people living near the Kanjurmarg site have endured prolonged and intolerable suffering due to the odour and pollution.

The court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for July 8, expressing hope that senior officials in the state and municipal bodies will treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves.

“With their wisdom and resources, we trust that authorities will act in the larger public interest,” the bench concluded. “This city deserves a permanent and scientifically sound solution that protects the rights and health of its people.”