A perfect example to cite this is the incessant dumping of construction debris that has been going on at the south end (Juhu Koliwada) of the Juhu Beach for over a year now.
“How can the debris be dumped on the beach is what we fail to understand? The strange thing is that every now and then the BMC comes and picks up the waste. In the first place how can they allow dumping on the beach? The area is non-development zone and the Collectorate office needs to keep a watch for illegal activities that are taking place on the beach as the land belongs to them,” states Jayul Patel of the Juhu Residents Association.
“On one hand the BMC says that there is a paucity of staff and equipments, and on the other hand they are allowing people to dump waste here and not clearing it immediately. They are only encouraging illegal activities,” Patel adds.
Seconding his view, Stanley Raman of the association adds, “Other than construction waste, garbage is also dumped here. People also come and defecate here, making it filthy and unhygienic. The non-development zone is slowly turning into a garbage dump.”
“This area is also home for permanent rag pickers, who sort out garbage and dump it there. Every evening they burn rubber and other waste, which generates fumes. Residents have been complaining about the foul smell. Complaining to the police is also of no use, as the dumping is not stopping even after bringing it to the notice of the authorities,” complains Patel.
“The alteration of land features, including dumping, is not permitted in a Coastal Regulatory Zone. If dumping is going on there, they are committing an offence under the Environment Protection Act and action can be initiated for the same,” informed Y P Singh, an environmental lawyer and ex-IPS officer.
Inspite of repeated attempts to contact officials from the Collector’s office, they were unavailable for comments.
-By Andheri Plus Website