Taking serious note of the dumping in the Ulhas river, the government has acted on the complaint made by an environmentalist and imposed a fine of R10 crore on the violator. It has also directed that restoration work be completed before May 25.
On May 20, mid-day had reported the issue (‘Illegal dumping is killing Ulhas river’) highlighting how rampant dumping of mud and rocks in the riparian zone (the area between the river and land) was narrowing the river and could lead to flooding in Badlapur, according to environmentalist Stalin D.
Stalin D said, “The Tehsildar office of Ambarnath has passed an order regarding the dumping of mud and debris in the river. The latest update is that the government has taken cognisance of our complaint, imposed a fine of Rs 10 crore on the violator, and directed restoration before May 25.”
Stalin, director of the NGO Vanashakti, had visited Muaze Kulgaon near Manjarli in Badlapur, on May 17 and was shocked to see mud being illegally dumped on the riverbank. He subsequently informed the principal secretary of the environment department and sent an email with attached photos and videos as evidence.
Following his complaint, the Tehsildar office informed him that a fine had already been imposed on the violator. The environmentalist alleged that the illegal dumping was carried out by individuals or an organisation that owns land adjacent to the river.
