PAC raises a stink over dumping grounds

Though dumping grounds in Deonar and Mulund have reached their saturation levels, solid waste is being disposed of at these places. A report submitted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the state legislature during the monsoon session has put the blame on improper garbage management system in the metropolis for the mess.

Mumbai generates 10,000 tons of garbage daily, which includes 2,500 tons of construction waste, debris and silt. Of this, around 5,500 tons is disposed of at Deonar dump while 4,500 tons at Mulund. Around 25 tons of biomedical waste is also generated daily.

It also pointed out that the dumping of solid waste at these grounds were not in accordance with the Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000.  So, the environment department needed to take action.

“The residents of Deonar and Mulund (East) are facing problem due to the dumping. They suffer from rising respiratory diseases due to burning of wastes during night,” the report said.

The PAC also recommended that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) members inspect at regular intervals the biomedical and solid waste dumping sites and submit their report to the state government. The PAC is headed by senior BJP MLA from Pune Girish Bapat.