Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 11: Residents of Govandi have strongly opposed the construction of a large-scale waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration plant at the Deonar municipal dumping ground, raising alarm over the health and environmental hazards in one of the city’s most vulnerable areas.
In a detailed legal representation to the municipal commissioner, Maharashtra’s chief secretary, and the Union environment ministry, advocate Sayyed Abid Abbas Sayyed demanded a stay on the project. The petition called for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in consultation with local stakeholders and sought the creation of a Judicial Commission or Special Investigation Team to probe how such a project was sanctioned despite alleged violations of constitutional, environmental, and health norms.
“If this unconstitutional and hazardous project moves forward, we will be compelled to approach the courts with a Public Interest Litigation,” warned Sayyed.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been urged not to enter any Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or concessionaire agreement for the plant until all legal and environmental norms are met. The notice also called for a medical and environmental epidemiological study in Govandi to assess the impact of pollution from Deonar.
The project’s first phase involves incinerating 600 tonnes of municipal waste daily, with plans to expand to 1,800 tonnes per day (TPD) by 2030. Mumbai currently generates around 6,500 TPD of solid waste.
Residents allege the plant violates their fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. “This project adds more pollution, danger, and injustice. It brings no jobs, no electricity, and no relief,” said Shaikh Fayyaz Alam of the Govandi Citizens Welfare Forum.
Critics say Deonar’s unsegregated waste consisting of organic, plastic, biomedical, and construction debris is unfit for incineration, and a 2018 Centre for Science and Environment report warns that Indian municipal waste lacks the calorific value needed for efficient energy production.
Residents also pointed to the lack of public consultation. “The land, meant for public use, was quietly turned into an industrial zone without informing elected representatives or holding hearings,” said local activist Shaikh.
Drawing parallels with Delhi’s Okhla WtE plant, resident Nafees Ansari said, “We fear fraudulent expansion and worsening emissions that will make our lives unlivable.”
Activist Ateeque Ahmed Khan said protests and legal action are being planned against the “top-down, undemocratic” move.
The WtE model, they argue, violates the precautionary, polluter pays, and sustainable development principles under Article 21. It also runs counter to Mumbai’s Climate Action Plan goals and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which call for waste segregation, scientific disposal, and decentralised systems.
Locals warn that the project’s location on a methane-active zone makes it a serious fire hazard and question why the electricity generated won’t benefit the nearby community.
As opposition mounts, BMC officials claimed they were unaware of the legal representation, while Chennai MSW Ltd, the company building the plant, did not respond to queries.