The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has proactively addressed pollution concerns on Kherani Road in Saki Naka, Mumbai. The issue came to light after continues follow-up Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association (CCWA) and a news article by City Daily, highlighting the environmental impact of illegal furnaces, commonly known as bhattis. These operations have been a significant source of pollution in the area, prompting the NGT to intervene and demand action.
In its latest directive, the NGT acknowledged that it had received responses from both the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These responses are crucial in understanding the scope of the problem and the measures needed to mitigate it. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has requested an additional three weeks to prepare and submit its response, which has led to the tribunal adjourning the case to February 18, 2025.
The delay underscores the complexity of coordinating between multiple regulatory bodies to tackle environmental issues effectively. The NGT’s involvement emphasizes the importance of addressing pollution sources that can have long-term detrimental effects on public health and the environment. As the case progresses, it is expected that more detailed plans and regulatory actions will be formulated to curb the illegal operations along Kherani Road.
The adjournment allows the BMC time to compile a comprehensive report that aligns with the findings of the MPCB and CPCB, ensuring a coordinated approach to resolving the pollution issue. The tribunal’s decision highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and prompt action in addressing environmental violations.
“We welcome suo-moto cognisance taken by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the BMC have failed miserably in controlling air pollution. As an eyewash, the BMC occasionally takes action against illegal furnaces, only for them to be back in operation within a day. Until the civic body invokes criminal penal provisions, the guidelines they issue are merely symbolic. We urge them to invoke relevant sections as per BNS act, which defines public nuisance, which makes public nuisance punishable,” said Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder of Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association.
He further added, “These furnaces are operating next to Nahar international school which is risking the health and life of hundreds of kids. FIR should be registered and appropriate legal action should be taken against the illegal bhattis owners who are spoiling the health and playing with the lives of thousands of residents.
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