BMC Seeks Mumbai Traffic Police Aid Against Surge in Unauthorized Debris Dumping

Mumbai, 27th December 2023: In response to a surge in unauthorized dumping of debris in areas such as Mankhurd, Shivaji Nagar, Deonar, Govandi, and Trombay, the BMC has sought assistance from the Mumbai Traffic Police. The M East ward official has reached out to the Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP-Traffic), urging the installation of CCTV cameras at identified locations and the implementation of strict measures against vehicles engaging in illegal debris dumping on roadways.

A Financial Challenge for BMC

Alka Sasane, the Assistant Municipal Commissioner of M East, conveyed concerns in a letter to Raju Bhujbal, DCP (Eastern Suburb – Traffic), stating, “We have received numerous complaints regarding the frequent illegal dumping of debris on main roads in Mankhurd, Shivaji Nagar, Deonar, Govandi, and Trombay. This has disrupted traffic flow in these areas. While we impose penalties on culprits caught dumping debris on roads, such unauthorized unloading, typically occurring during late-night hours, poses a financial burden for the BMC to regularly address the ensuing mess.”

The M East ward has identified specific locations prone to illegal debris dumping, including areas near the major nullah on JM Link Road at Indian Oil Nagar, the Mankhurd Service Road, Agarwadi Signal on the Sion-Panvel highway, and near the SMS biomedical waste disposal company in Mankhurd. Sasane has requested the DCP (Traffic) to instruct officials in the eastern suburbs to take strict actions against vehicles involved in the illegal dumping of debris. Additionally, she has advocated for the installation of CCTV cameras at these locations to facilitate the identification and penalization of those causing disturbances.

BMC’s Ongoing Efforts to Combat Illegal Debris Dumping

With over 6,000 construction sites in the city, the BMC has been grappling with the persistent issue of preventing illegal debris dumping on roads for several years. Particularly during the nighttime, unidentified individuals deposit construction debris on roadways. Special squads have been formed at the ward level to monitor such illicit activities within their respective jurisdictions. In October, the P North ward imposed a Rs 20,000 fine on 50 vehicles in Malad areas and sought the intervention of the state transport commissioner to cancel the registration of these vehicles.