NGT Slaps Rs 1 Lakh Penalty on Thane Collector Over Illegal Waste Dumping
The National Green Tribunal's Western Zone Bench has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on the District Collector of Thane for failing to comply with directives to halt the dumping of construction and demolition waste in mangrove areas across localities including Kasheli and Dive-Anjur.
The order was issued on August 13 in an application filed by environmental group Vanshakti and another applicant against the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority and other public bodies. The proceedings relate to multiple sites in Thane district where solid waste and construction debris were dumped unscientifically in mangrove zones.
The tribunal observed that affidavits submitted by different authorities placed the primary responsibility for clearing debris on the Thane District Collector. However, counsel for the Collector informed the bench that no instructions or personnel had approached from the Collector's office, resulting in no reply being filed.
Recalling its earlier order from January 24, 2025, which instructed the District Collector to prevent further dumping at one of the affected sites, the bench noted that areas under the Kasheli and Dive-Anjur gram panchayats also fall under the Collector's jurisdiction. The tribunal remarked that authorities had neither prevented continued dumping nor responded to the proceedings, stating that the conduct of the District Collector was incorrigible.
The bench ordered the Collector to deposit the Rs 1 lakh cost with the NGT Bar Association (Western Zone) within one week. The Collector was also granted two weeks to submit a reply detailing measures taken to prevent dumping, and was directed to appear before the tribunal on the next hearing date, either in person or via video conference.
Meanwhile, the Thane Municipal Corporation submitted a site-wise action-taken report to the tribunal. The civic body reported that a trench was dug at the Mumbra entry point near Sites 2 and 3 to block unauthorized heavy vehicles. In addition, garbage was cleared from Site 4, height-restriction barriers were being installed at Site 5, and waste was removed from Site 8 at Sabegaon.
The civic body also stated that two height-restriction barriers were erected at the Diva dumpsite, illegal structures were demolished to stop fresh encroachments, and a Letter of Intent was issued for scientific waste processing. TMC added that revised cost estimates for debris removal from affected private and khajan lands are being finalized for approval from the Divisional Commissioner and the Mangrove Cell.
