Mankhurd’s Cheeta Camp, whose backyard opens into the Thane Creek, is facing a worsening waste crisis — an 800-metre stretch along the creek is now buried under solid waste and debris from demolished houses.
The land, shared between the BMC’s M E Ward and the Forest Department, has remained uncleared for two years despite repeated complaints. Responding to mid-day’s earlier reports in May, both departments had assured that the cleanup would begin after the monsoon — but the waste continues to pile up.
Kids wade through filthy, garbage-laden water at the creekside stretch in Mankhurd. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Until two years ago, local women would voluntarily clean the area every summer before the rains, collecting and removing garbage with donations from residents. However, financial struggles have halted these community-driven efforts.
Locals speak
“We talk to people every week about not throwing trash here, but it’s not entirely their fault,” said resident Samans Mary, who leads a small awareness group in Cheeta Camp. “The garbage collectors often skip days, and residents can’t store waste at home.” Local activist Asif Sayyed, who has been following up with authorities, said, “In the The situation is far worse than in the summer. The area needs immediate cleaning.”
Children play near the massive garbage dump behind their homes in Cheeta Camp
The garbage lies next to a playground used by local children, creating a serious health hazard. “Kids go into the water to play and get drenched in the dirty, foul-smelling water. After the rains, mosquitoes bite all the time,” said an 8-year-old child, whose parents requested anonymity.
Dharmesh Barai, founder of Environment Life Foundation, has been pursuing the issue with authorities since January. He said, “It’s my dream to see the mangroves here thrive, but that’s only possible if the entire stretch is cleaned and a proper system is built to stop solid waste from reaching the ocean. All authorities must work together — without coordination, no cleanup effort will succeed.”
Authorities respond
Ujwal Ingole, assistant commissioner of M E Ward, said, “We cleaned up the nullahs earlier this year but couldn’t take up this 800-metre stretch before the monsoon. An inspection is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, after which cleanup work will begin next Monday.” Sachin More, round officer from the Turbhe Division of the Navi Mumbai Mangrove Range (Forest Department), said, “We have a meeting with the BMC this Friday. Post that, we plan to clean up the area and construct a wall to separate BMC and forest land.” Earlier this year, the Forest Department had cleared part of its section of the land, but officials now say a second phase of cleanup will begin soon since the monsoon has ended.
