The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has imposed a hefty fine of INR 10.2 crore on the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for illegally dumping waste in the Diva region between 2016 and 2023.
This caused huge environmental damage, including the destruction of mangroves in the notified Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). The fine was imposed on July 2 following a direction issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
According to the MPCB, the fine amount has been calculated as environmental compensation and will be for the period 2023 to 2025. However, during this time, the Thane Municipal Corporation failed to clean up the illegally dumped waste. The accumulated waste was left untreated, causing damage to the surrounding ecosystem.
In 2023, the NGO Vanshakti Foundation approached the NGT, alleging that the TMC had been illegally using CRZ land in Diva for dumping waste since 2016.
The NGO pointed out that the dumping not only violated environmental norms but also destroyed mangroves, which are ecologically sensitive and protected by law.
Vanshakti founder Stalin D said that the dump was emitting a strong smell and noxious effluent, which was causing health problems for nearby residents. "This place is dangerous for health and the environment," he said, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.
In response to the matter, the Thane Municipal Corporation gradually shifted its dumping operations first to Bhandarli, on the outskirts of the city. However, after strong opposition from local residents, the dumping ground was shifted again, this time to Daighar village, although the original dumping site at Diva was never cleaned, leading to continued environmental degradation.
Although the MPCB has officially announced the fine, the Thane Municipal Corporation is yet to give any formal response or explanation regarding the fine or future plans for remediation of the affected land.
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