Mumbai: Despite ongoing desilting efforts, the illegal dumping of waste into city nullahs has further worsened waterlogging issues across Mumbai, a civic official has stated.
In a bid to curb such violations, the BMC on Tuesday filed a formal complaint at the Shahu Nagar Police Station after a large quantity of industrial waste was found dumped in the Dharavi T-junction nullah an area that had already been desilted. The police are currently tracing the individual or entity responsible for the illegal dumping, said an official.
The BMC undertakes desilting work every year ahead of the monsoon to clear culverts and prevent flooding. However, this year, delays in the desilting of the Mithi River and several minor drains have contributed to widespread waterlogging in parts of Mumbai during last week's rainfall.
While the civic body continues efforts to manage the situation, officials note that many nullahs remain choked not just due to silt but also because of ongoing garbage dumping, which severely hampers drainage and flood prevention.
"Despite completing desilting of major and minor drains, floating waste especially during high tide—continues to block nullahs, requiring frequent cleaning. On pilot basis mesh screens have been installed at select locations to trap floating waste and reduce blockage in the nullahs. However, some individuals and establishments still dump thermocol, plastic bags, furniture, and other waste, severely obstructing wastewater flow and causing environmental risks,” said a senior civic official.
During an inspection by officials of G North ward, it was found that unknown people had dumped various industrial materials such as thermocol, rubber, wrappers, and parcel boxes into the nullah. The BMC has registered a case against the accused under Section 326 (a) of the Indian Penal Code, 2023.
The police are currently tracing the individual(s) or establishment(s) involved. The clogging of drains, particularly due to plastic carry bags, was one of the major causes of the devastating 26/7 deluge in 2005, which claimed over a thousand lives. Mumbai has an extensive and complex drainage network, comprising 261.52 km of major nullahs and 411.56 km of minor nullahs.
