Bombay HC Orders BMC To Plan Kanjurmarg Dumping Ground Alternative

The Bombay High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to prepare a long-term plan for the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, citing its proximity to residential areas and the need for a clear alternative.

On Thursday, a bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale observed that the BMC cannot wait for a court order to decide the future of the site. The court stressed the need for a long-term vision, noting that finding land for waste management facilities would become increasingly difficult.

The Kanjurmarg dumping ground is located near a creek and mangrove area, and the court asked the BMC about its backup plan. BMC counsel Anil Sakhare said the civic body was preparing itself for the next 20 to 30 years.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions, including one filed by Kannamwar Nagar CHS Association Ltd, raising concerns over persistent foul odour, toxic gas emissions, pollution, and alleged health hazards faced by residents living near the dumping ground.

The court also expressed concern over garbage being dumped at several locations across Mumbai. It asked the BMC to identify such hotspots and take preventive measures instead of merely cleaning them after waste had accumulated.

The bench suggested that the BMC ensure regular sanitation, particularly in notified slum areas, and ensure that local residents stop dumping and pilferage at public spots. It also suggested beautification of such areas.

The court noted that citizen participation was crucial in keeping the city clean. The BMC has started the “Swachh Mumbai Abhiyan” and is involving local corporators, who could directly engage with residents in their respective wards.

The court suggested that good-performing wards could be recognised through grading, certificates, and incentives. The bench also asked the BMC to study cleanliness measures adopted by cities such as Navi Mumbai and Indore.

In May 2025, the HC had restored the protected forest status of 119.91 hectares of the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, holding that the State’s 2009 notification de-notifying the land was invalid.

The court's directive is a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issue of waste management in Mumbai. The BMC must now work towards creating a sustainable and effective plan for the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, prioritising the health and well-being of residents living in nearby areas.

The decision also highlights the need for citizen participation and awareness in maintaining the city's cleanliness. By involving local residents and corporators, the BMC can work towards creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all Mumbaikars.

In the coming months, the BMC will be expected to submit a comprehensive plan for the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, outlining its strategy for waste management and disposal. The court's directive is a welcome move, and it remains to be seen how the BMC will respond to this challenge.

Ultimately, the court's decision is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly Mumbai. By prioritising waste management and cleanliness, the city can work towards becoming a healthier and more livable place for all its residents.

The BMC must now take concrete steps to address the issue of waste management in Mumbai, and the court's directive provides a clear roadmap for the civic body to follow. With the support of citizens and the involvement of local corporators, Mumbai can work towards becoming a cleaner and more sustainable city.