Forests are not meant for dumping of garbage, debris

Pictures that were shared by environmental activist Stalin D with the Thane Forest Department showing the burning garbage. Pics/By Special Arrangement

A city-based environmentalist has alleged that municipal waste is being dumped and burned on a large scale in forest areas, wildlife zones, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas of Thane. The activity is reportedly happening near Gaimukh, adjacent to Ghodbunder Road and close to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), a report stated in our paper.

An environmental activist has raised this with various authorities, with pictures concerned and videos also mentioning the GPS coordinates so that it becomes easier for the authorities to go to the location and verify the details mentioned in the complaint. This site is not meant for dumping municipal garbage. But here, garbage is being dumped, burnt, and even pushed into the creek. Huge piles of burning waste can be seen at this location.

It is now important that one verifies this as things have been handed on a platter to the authorities. Action is the second step, one must see the merit of the complaint and if this is true, then act swiftly. Today, we see great emphasis on greening and the environment. Our leaders talk about combating climate change and saving this, that or the other. Yet, our on-ground reality, ironically tells another story. Green being replaced by concrete. Citizen vigilantes having to point out and fight for our precious patches, literally, handkerchief-sized little corners of greenery which need to be saved.

Those in charge need to find a solution that is lasting. The first is to nab the culprits, punitive measures and finally, imposing fines that pinch so that we do not have one piece of action but face the same once again after months. Saving these spaces is an enervating mission. Our passionate warriors must be taken seriously, especially when they shore up their claims with ‘proof'.