The BMC has registered an FIR against five individuals for large-scale illegal dumping of construction debris near the Bhakti Park monorail station in Wadala. The land in question is owned by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Acting on received information, the BMC F-North ward officer, Chakrapani Alle, along with his team, conducted an inspection at the site. They discovered eight dumpers and one excavator at the location, with four of the dumpers loaded with construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Additionally, an excavator was being used to level the debris. As a result, the police were summoned, and an FIR was filed.
BMC officials have revealed that the dumping of C&D waste is a frequent occurrence by the debris mafia in Wadala and the Anik Depot area. Just before the recent visit of the Prime Minister for the inauguration of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the officials from the F-North ward had already removed 1,000 metric tonnes of C&D waste. In an effort to crack down on the problem, BMC officials have taken various actions such as removing debris, filing FIRs, and imposing fines for the illegal dumping of debris.
The BMC authorities have written to the Transport Commissioner urging the cancellation of the registration of vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of C&D waste. A BMC official from the ward stated that the filing of an FIR was intended to enable a detailed investigation by the police into the activities of the debris mafia and to identify the mastermind behind the incident. The large number of dumpers and the use of an excavator indicate a potentially organized operation.
To address the issue, BMC provides a service called ‘debris on call’ which allows citizens to request the collection and disposal of C&D waste generated during house repairs or demolitions. However, a fee is charged for this service.
Source: [Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/bmc-files-fir-against-five-for-dumping-debris/articleshow/107270377.cms)
