Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 11: The Bombay High Court on Thursday came down heavily on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over garbage piling up on roads across Mumbai, observing that the “whole city is full of filth”.

The court was hearing a petition filed by residents of Kannamwar Nagar regarding pollution caused by the Kanjurmarg dumping ground.

A division bench comprising Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale questioned the civic body over the condition of the city and asked, “Is the entire city covered in garbage? Has the machinery become inactive?”

“Everywhere there is only filth. We will take action against the BMC officers. Seems like the machinery is not working. You need to have a proper SOP. How are we calling ourselves an international city?” the bench said.

The court warned that ward officers would be held accountable for uncleanliness in their respective wards and could face contempt action for failing to discharge their duties.

“Now we will hold these officers also accountable and responsible. There needs to be action against them too. The whole city is full of filth. Enough is enough. The BMC is giving us false assurances,” the bench observed.

The court said it had no option but to direct the BMC Commissioner to put the civic machinery in order and fix responsibility for the persistent problem.

“This is a serious matter. This is something very painful. There are some identified spots in the city where one will always find heaps of garbage lying, and still the concerned ward officers do not take any action,” the court said.

The bench also suggested that the civic body involve social media influencers in cleanliness campaigns and consider imposing fines and initiating criminal proceedings against people who litter or dump waste on public roads.

The matter will be heard further on October 7.