Waste Management – Bombay High Court Questions Mumbai’s Cleanliness Drive Over Rising Garbage
Waste Management –The Bombay High Court has raised serious concerns about the growing garbage problem across Mumbai, questioning whether the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) flagship “Swachh Mumbai, Sundar Mumbai” initiative is delivering the intended results. While hearing a batch of petitions related to pollution, foul odour, gas emissions, and health issues associated with the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, the court directed the civic authority to remove garbage around key heritage locations within seven days and cautioned that ward officials would be held accountable if conditions remain unchanged.
Court Observes Widespread Waste Disposal Issues
A Division Bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe observed that the city’s waste management challenges extend well beyond the Kanjurmarg landfill. According to the Bench, garbage is visible in several public spaces, including roadsides, beaches, drainage channels, and other commonly used areas, indicating shortcomings in maintaining civic cleanliness across Mumbai.
The judges also questioned the implementation of the BMC’s cleanliness campaign, stating that there were serious doubts about its effectiveness. Referring to the Western Express Highway, the court pointed out that plastic waste and heaps of garbage could be seen along the route, describing the situation as unacceptable for a metropolitan city.
Ward-Level Accountability Stressed by the Bench
During the hearing, the court underlined that the objectives of the “Swachh Mumbai, Sundar Mumbai” campaign could only be achieved if both residents and civic authorities fulfilled their responsibilities. The judges remarked that public roads should not become unofficial dumping grounds and emphasized that ward-level officers must actively monitor waste disposal and sanitation in their respective areas.
The Bench warned that any failure by local officials to take timely corrective action would undermine the purpose of the city’s cleanliness initiative. It further noted that the ongoing monsoon season has aggravated sanitation concerns, increasing the possibility of disease outbreaks and other public health risks if waste is not managed efficiently.
Heritage Areas Under Special Scrutiny
The High Court also expressed concern over the presence of garbage collection points and waste transport activity near several of South Mumbai’s prominent heritage landmarks. The Bench referred to locations close to the Bombay City Civil Court, the Bombay High Court, the Institute of Science, Rajabai Tower, and Horniman Circle.
According to the judges, these historic sites attract a large number of visitors and tourists, making it difficult to justify the presence of garbage transfer facilities and long queues of waste collection vehicles in their vicinity. The court observed that unpleasant odours and unhygienic surroundings diminish the experience for visitors while creating unnecessary inconvenience for the general public.
Seven-Day Deadline Issued to Civic Body
To address the issue, the High Court instructed the BMC to ensure that garbage surrounding the identified heritage locations is cleared within seven days. It also made it clear that the ward officers responsible for these areas would face accountability if the court’s directions are not implemented effectively.
Appearing on behalf of the civic body, senior advocate Anil Sakhare assured the Bench that immediate measures would be initiated to improve sanitation around the identified locations. He informed the court that the municipal administration would also work towards preventing indiscriminate garbage dumping across different wards of the city.
Pollution Control Board Directed to Enforce Regulations
Apart from issuing directions to the BMC, the Bench instructed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to ensure strict implementation of environmental regulations in connection with waste management and pollution control. The court expects coordinated efforts from the concerned authorities to improve sanitation standards and address environmental concerns linked to garbage disposal.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on August 12, when the court is expected to review the progress made by the civic authorities in complying with its directions.