Deonar dump: Time’s running out for BMC

Time is running out for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to find a solution for reducing pollution caused by carcinogenic gases emanating from the Deonar dumping ground.

The Bombay High Court, which is hearing a contempt petition filed by Dr Sandeep Rane of the Smoke Affected Residents Forum, gave the BMC “a last chance” to submit a plan on the treatment and scientific disposal of the waste. However, the court order issued last week hasn’t modified the stand of the political leadership at the BMC. 

The Sena-led standing committee rejected the proposal for the partial closure of the dump and transforming it into a scientific landfill site. It objected to the tipping fees (cost per tonne for treating the waste) being offered to the operator — a consortium led by United Phosphorus Ltd, Kerala-based POABS and Germany-based MDSE.

Committee chairman Ravindra Waikar then directed the civic body to call for fresh bids.
The court criticised the committee for not clearing the proposal and “getting involved in a battle of contractors”. It has asked the BMC to submit a concrete plan at the next hearing on July 21. Also, municipal commissioner Jairaj Phatak has been asked to use the powers at his disposal to approve the proposal if the standing committee does not change its stand.

Senior officials from the civic administration said that the standing committee leaders will be briefed on the directives issued by the court.