Reduce stench at Kanjurmarg dump yard in 15 days, MPCB tells civic body

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has given the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 15 days to come up with a plan to reduce the stench

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has given the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 15 days to come up with a plan to reduce the stench from the Kanjurmarg dumping ground.

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On Monday, MPCB officials said a meeting has been scheduled two weeks later, chaired by top officials from the solid waste management (SWM) department, state government and MPCB to discuss solutions for proper waste management.

HT had reported several times earlier this year that residents living around the dumping ground were complaining of stench and that the dump was causing health problems .

Following complaints, MPCB issued a notice to the BMC after visiting the site and confirming that there was a severe stench. BMC officials responded to the notice on Friday, stating that the hot spell that followed the rains has increased emissions from the dump, causing this stench.

“SWM officials said MPCB should issue a notice to the consultant hired to treat the waste. They have said while preventive measures are being taken, the stench increased during the monsoon season,” said MR Lad, regional officer, Mumbai MPCB. “The BMC also assured us that the project for scientific disposal of garbage through composting will be done by January 17.” Lad added that the issue has been forwarded to the state environment department. “Before taking any action against BMC, we have given them 15 days to come up with an action plan,” he said.

The environment officials said they had been receiving constant complaints from residents and even the local MLA about the issue. “The BMC needs to submit a credible roadmap to resolve the issue,” said Satish Gavai, principal secretary, state environment department. Meanwhile, a senior SWM official said, “A nullah running near the dump site and the Mulund dump yard have aggravated the stench.”