Committee members said that residents had opposed the plan to set up a dumping ground at Kanjurmarg due to pre-conceived notions that it would result in stench and diseases. “The BMC should take all the residents in confidence that the plant is a scientific sanitary landfill and it would not not result in stench,” said MNS leader Rajendra Lad.

NCP leader Niyaz Wanu said if the committee is allowing the creation of Kanjurmarg dumping ground, it should also permit partial closure of Deonar dumping ground and provide relief to the residents in the surrounding areas. According to them, they have been demanding the closure of Deonar dumping ground for the last 10 years.

“There would be a wrong signal that as Deonar has Muslim population around it, the BMC is delaying the closure plan and showing quick efficiency for residents of Kanjurmarg,” he alleged.

The Standing Committee members have now agreed to re-open and consider Deonar proposal that would cost around Rs 3495 crore. This will benefit 25 lakh people who demand its closure as they are affected by the pollution caused by the unregulated dumping at Deonar. Currently, 70% of the 10,000 tonnes of garbage generated in Mumbai is dumped at Deonar while the remaining 3,000 tonne is dumped at Mulund.