The Mumbai High Court on Friday (April 24) took a very tough stand and warned the Maharashtra government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) that if concrete steps are not taken immediately to control pollution and methane emissions, the court may order complete closure of the Kanjurmarg dumping ground. The court expressed deep displeasure over the careless attitude of the administration and made it clear that there can be no compromise with the health of the citizens and their right to life.
“We will pass a detailed order… we will be left with no option but to stop this dumping site,” a bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe said. The bench further stressed, “Now is the time for us to give importance to human life.”
The court was hearing PILs filed by an NGO named ‘Vanshakti’ and a local housing society. In these petitions, the issue of persistent foul smell, gas emissions and serious health risks to the residents was raised in the area.
Citing scientific reports, the court expressed concern over methane emissions from the dumping ground. The Court noted that methane is far more harmful than carbon dioxide. “We are not aware of the ill effects of such emissions caused by the mismanagement of the administration,” the bench remarked. The court directed officials to study available research and adopt scientific mitigation measures.
The court termed the site as the “worst dumping ground”, saying that temporary measures taken over decades had failed to yield results. The Court also raised the question that when the report and recommendations existed, why was there a delay in implementing them?
Proposed visits to countries like Japan, Singapore and UAE to study advanced waste management systems also came up during the hearing. The state government said such tours could be undertaken, but the bench made it clear that immediate local action was necessary before foreign tours could take place. The High Court warned in strong words that if the citizens’ “right to life” under Article 21 of the Constitution is found to be violated, strict action will be taken.
Calling this the last opportunity for the administration, the court has directed the state and civic authorities to file a detailed affidavit. In this affidavit, a complete outline of the steps taken to stop pollution and monitor methane emissions will have to be given. The next hearing of this case will now be held on coming Monday.
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