Overview
- A division bench of the Bombay High Court on Friday, July 31, heard petitions about pollution and foul odour from the Kanjurmarg dumping ground and directed the BMC to clear accumulated garbage around major heritage precincts within seven days.
- The judges criticised a citywide culture of littering, warned that ward officers would be held personally accountable for failures, and asked the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to curb plastic washing up on beaches such as Juhu, Mahim and Dadar Chowpatty.
- In response, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide chaired review meetings on August 1–2 and launched a citywide cleanliness drive that maps recurring garbage vulnerable points ward‑wise and prioritises hotspot remediation.
- The BMC’s measures include installing CCTV at identified hotspots, stepped‑up ward inspections, removal of footpath encroachments, stricter penalties for illegal dumping and behavioural outreach to residents and market groups.
- The court noted improved odour control at the Kanjurmarg facility but made clear that operationalising the BMC’s commitments is required before the August 12 hearing, and that monsoon conditions raise immediate public‑health and drainage risks if waste remains untreated.