Anger is mounting among Turbhe Store residents as locals, social activists, and women’s groups on Monday intensified their protest against the dumping ground and the proposed Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) project in the area.
Devidas Lagade social worker, Guru Suryawanshi lawyer local resident and Anil Patil local activist
The agitation, held outside a Shiv Sena shakha in Turbhe Store, saw scores of citizens gathering with placards demanding the immediate relocation of the waste-related facilities. Protesters claimed the area was already burdened with severe pollution and health hazards.
Health concerns
Residents alleged that foul smell, smoke, and increasing air pollution from the dumping ground have made life miserable for nearby families. Protesters claimed several children and elderly citizens were suffering from breathing-related problems and repeated infections due to deteriorating environmental conditions.
A young resident of Turbhe Store, allegedly affected by pollution from the dumping ground
Advocate Guru Suryawanshi, a resident of Turbhe Store, said the issue was directly linked to public health. “We are not opposing development, but authorities cannot turn residential areas into dumping zones. Children are forced to inhale polluted air daily,” he said.
Civic assurance
Local activist Anil Patil warned that the agitation would intensify if authorities failed to respond positively. Residents said memorandums had already been submitted to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) demanding relocation of the dumping ground and cancellation or shifting of the proposed CBG project.
Meanwhile, NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde reportedly assured citizens that the civic body would examine the concerns raised by residents and take appropriate steps after reviewing the matter.
People Speak
Devidas Lagade, Social worker
alleged that residents had been raising complaints for years, but no concrete action had been taken. “The area already suffers because of pollution from the dumping ground. Now another waste processing project is being planned here,” he said.
Savita Lagade, Corporator
who participated in the protest along with several women residents, said families were facing difficulties due to the unbearable smell during evenings and nights.
Aboli Kulkarni, Corporator
questioned why citizens of one locality should repeatedly bear the environmental burden. “Every time a waste-related project comes up, it is pushed towards our area. Why should only Turbhe residents suffer while others enjoy clean surroundings?” she asked.
