NGT Imposes ₹1 Lakh Cost On Thane Collector Over Failure To Stop C&D Waste Dumping In Mangrove Areas

Thane, August 21, 2026: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone Bench, has imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the District Collector, Thane, for failing to comply with its earlier directions to prevent dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in mangrove areas and for not filing a response in a case concerning illegal dumping at multiple sites in Thane district.

The order was passed on August 13 by NGT in an application filed by Vanshakti and another against the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority and other authorities.

Collector's Failure To Comply

The Tribunal observed that the affidavits filed by various authorities showed that the main responsibility for clearing the debris appeared to lie with the District Collector, Thane.

However, the Collector's counsel informed the Tribunal that no one had approached from the Collector's side and therefore a reply could not be filed. The bench questioned this explanation and said the reply affidavit ought to have been filed.

The matter relates to several sites where solid waste and C&D waste had allegedly been dumped, including in mangrove areas. The Tribunal recalled its earlier order of January 24, 2025, which had directed the District Collector to ensure that no further dumping of C&D waste took place at one of the sites, while noting that solid waste had been dumped in an “unscientific manner” in mangrove areas at several locations.

NGT Imposes Rs 1 Lakh Cost

The bench noted that Kasheli and Dive-Anjur gram panchayats also fall under the jurisdiction of the District Collector and observed that the authorities could have ensured that dumping of C&D waste was stopped at the site despite the earlier directions. Instead, the Tribunal found that the authorities had neither stopped the dumping nor filed a response in the present proceedings.

“The conduct of the District Collector, Thane is incorrigible,” the Tribunal observed, finding the failure to comply with the earlier direction to be a violation. It consequently directed the Collector to deposit Rs 1 lakh with the NGT Bar Association (Western Zone), within one week.

The Collector has also been given two weeks to file a reply setting out the steps taken to prevent further dumping. The Tribunal directed the District Collector to remain present before it on the next date, either physically or through video conference.

TMC Submits Action-Taken Report

Meanwhile, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) submitted a site-wise action-taken report before the Tribunal. It stated that a trench had been dug at the Mumbra entry point near Sites 2 and 3 to prevent unauthorised entry of heavy dumping vehicles. Garbage had been cleared from Site 4, while height-restriction barriers were being installed at Site 5 to prevent further illegal dumping.

TMC further informed the Tribunal that garbage had been cleared from Site 8 at Sabegaon, while two height-restriction barriers had been installed at the Diva dumpsite and a Letter of Intent had been issued for scientific waste treatment. Illegal structures at had also been demolished and removed to prevent fresh encroachments.

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Debris Removal Measures

The civic body also stated that it was preparing revised cost estimates for debris removal from affected private and khajan lands based on the 2025-26 District Schedule of Rates.

A technical assessment report had been submitted to the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangrove Cell) and the Divisional Commissioner, Konkan Division, for final vetting and approval.

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