The Bombay High Court on Friday raised concerns over garbage accumulation across Mumbai, including around several heritage precincts, and questioned the implementation of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) "Swachh Mumbai, Sundar Mumbai" campaign. The court directed the civic body to remove garbage around prominent heritage sites within seven days and stated that the concerned ward officers would be held responsible if the conditions were not improved.
The observations were made by a Division Bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe while hearing a batch of petitions concerning pollution, foul odour, gas emissions and health risks faced by residents living near the Kanjurmarg dumping ground. One of the petitions was filed by Kannamwar Co-operative Housing Society Association Ltd. through advocate Abhijeet Rane. During the hearing, the Bench observed that the issue extended beyond the Kanjurmarg landfill and referred to garbage accumulation on roads, beaches, drains and other public spaces across Mumbai. The court stated that it had "grave doubt" whether the BMC's cleanliness campaign was being effectively implemented and referred to garbage and plastic waste visible along the Western Express Highway.
Referring to the civic body's slogan, "Swachh Mumbai, Sundar Mumbai," the Bench observed that the objective of the campaign was clear but stated that it was being collectively defeated by citizens as well as by inaction on the part of the municipal machinery. The court further observed that ward-level officials were responsible for ensuring that public streets were not used as dumping grounds and stated that the purpose of the campaign would be defeated if effective measures were not implemented. The court also referred to the condition during the monsoon and stated that poor hygiene could lead to health risks. The Bench remarked that the health department should be consulted regarding the number and category of patients affected because of poor hygiene.
Particular concern was expressed over garbage handling near heritage landmarks. The Bench referred to garbage transfer points outside the Bombay City Civil Court, the Bombay High Court, the Institute of Science, Rajabai Tower and Horniman Circle. The court observed that garbage vehicle booths and queues of garbage trucks near heritage sites frequented by tourists created nuisance and odour. It further stated that if such conditions existed in areas of significant public importance, the situation elsewhere in the city could be imagine. The Bench directed that conditions around the identified heritage sites be improved within seven days and stated that orders would be passed holding the concerned ward officers responsible if compliance was not achieved.
Senior advocate Anil Sakhare, appearing for the BMC, informed the court that immediate steps would be taken and that measures would be implemented across all wards to prevent garbage dumping. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board was also directed to strictly enforce environmental laws. The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 12.
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