Environmental activist flags alleged illegal dumping and burning near Gaimukh, close to Ghodbunder Rd; calls for urgent action from forest, civic, and pollution control authorities
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).
Environmental activist Stalin D has raised this issue with multiple authorities, including the Thane Collector, SGNP Director, Conservator of Forests, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Thane Forest Department, Thane Municipal Commissioner, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Principal Secretary of the Environment Department, and the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department.
Along with his email, Stalin D shared pictures 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.
Stalin D said, “This site where dumping/burning of municipal waste in forest, wildlife and CRZ areas of Thane is taking place is near Gaimukh adjacent to Ghodbunder Road. It is shocking to see garbage being dumped in forest land, CRZ areas, mangroves buffer zones, and also in what appears to be part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.” However, the complaint also mentions that the complainant is not an expert in survey numbers or land ownership matters but can clearly see that a serious illegality is allegedly taking place.
“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. Even though the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is a party in the ongoing Suo Motu PIL on air pollution in the Hon'ble Bombay High Court, it has still committed this serious violation. TMC must be prosecuted for this horrendous act. The chief engineer of Solid Waste Management should be named in the FIR and action must be taken against him,” said Stalin D.
Stalin D alleged that this was the second time the site had been used illegally for garbage dumping, with the previous incident taking place a decade ago. At that time, the Thane Forest Department had taken action. He further stated that this was a clear violation of several laws, including the Air Act, the Water Act, the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Rules, the Forest Conservation Act, and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification.
“Every agency mentioned in this email has the authority to act immediately. As you already know, we will not let this matter slide. Please don’t force us into another round of litigation. If we are compelled to go down that road again, be assured this time it will be at your cost and consequences,” said Stalin D.
A forest department official from SGNP said, “The spot where garbage is being dumped and burned near Ghodbunder Road, close to Gaimukh, is outside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. We have informed the Thane Municipal Corporation about the issue, as this illegal burning poses a threat to the forest and its wildlife.”
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
