Bombay HC Directs BMC to Devise Long-Term Plan for Kanjurmarg Dumping Ground
The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to prepare a long-term plan for the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, observing that the civic administration cannot wait for judicial orders to decide the future of a waste site situated close to residential areas.
A bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale stated that the BMC must have a clear alternative ready and should not find itself without a strategy if directed to halt operations at the site. The court observed that the municipal commissioner needs to recognise the proximity of the facility to residential neighbourhoods, noting that the Supreme Court will eventually decide the matter and the civic body must maintain a clear vision.
The judges emphasised that finding land for waste management facilities across Mumbai will become increasingly difficult over time. Pointing out that the Kanjurmarg facility is situated near a creek and mangrove area, the bench asked the BMC about its backup plans. BMC counsel Anil Sakhare informed the court that the civic body is currently preparing plans to cover the next 20 to 30 years.
The directions were issued during the hearing of a batch of petitions, including one filed by the Kannamwar Nagar CHS Association Ltd. The petitioners raised concerns over persistent foul odour, toxic gas emissions, environmental pollution, and health hazards experienced by residents living near the dumping ground.
In addition to the Kanjurmarg facility, the high court raised concerns over garbage accumulation across various parts of the city. The bench instructed the BMC to identify dumping hotspots and implement preventive measures rather than simply clearing waste after it accumulates. The court also called for regular sanitation in notified slum areas, beautification of public spaces, and steps to prevent pilferage and unauthorized dumping.
Discussing citizen participation, the bench suggested that the BMC study cleanliness measures implemented in cities such as Navi Mumbai and Indore, while recommending incentives and grading for well-performing municipal wards. Sakhare noted that the civic body has launched the Swachh Mumbai Abhiyan and is coordinating with local corporators to engage residents directly.
In May 2025, the high court had restored the protected forest status of 119.91 hectares at the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, invalidating a 2009 state de-notification. The BMC subsequently challenged that ruling before the Supreme Court, which granted a stay on the high court's directions.
