Bombay HC Warns BMC Over Street Litter, Kanjurmarg Dumping Ground Pollution
The Bombay High Court on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) handling of street waste, observing a sharp disconnect between the civic body's claims and the ground reality near the Kanjurmarg dumping ground and across city wards.
A bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale demanded answers from the BMC Commissioner regarding concrete measures being implemented to stop waste from accumulating on public roads. The court noted that streets across every civic ward continue to remain littered with garbage and criticised ward officers for neglecting their duties.
"We want to know what action is being taken? We feel whatever the BMC claims is only on paper, and the action, in reality, is not taken," the bench observed, warning civic officials to "put your house in order or else we will take action."
The bench made these observations during the hearing of a batch of petitions, including one filed by the Kannamwar Nagar CHS Association Ltd. The petition highlighted serious concerns regarding persistent foul odours, toxic gas emissions, severe pollution, and health risks faced by residents living in the vicinity of the Kanjurmarg dumping site.
In response to the court's scrutiny, the BMC submitted an affidavit detailing its regulatory compliance and mitigation measures. The civic body stated that it is enforcing the newly framed Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-Laws, 2025.
To address environmental issues at the Kanjurmarg facility, the corporation outlined several steps, including increasing bio-enzyme applications, expanding misting cannon coverage across waste processing areas, and improving soil cover on inactive bioreactor landfill (BLF) cells. The BMC stated that fresh daily soil cover and specialised impermeable geomembrane capping are being used on inactive BLF cells to prevent leachate leaks and control gas emissions.
The affidavit further noted that the civic body is adjusting its chemical-deodorant mix during winter months and evening hours, using heavier neutralisers to counter localised gas buildup caused by cooler temperatures and local wind patterns. Additionally, ward-level inspection teams have been connected to a mobile monitoring network to track garbage collection vehicles, remove illegal dumping points, and log public grievances in real time.
The High Court adjourned the matter to Thursday, directing the Municipal Commissioner to submit a comprehensive update on ground enforcement and punitive measures taken against street littering.
