‘Lack of space for building waste behind stalled infra projects’

In a PIL filed by Mega City Debris Truck Welfare Association (MCDTWA),its 140 members have stated that owing to a lack of an earmarked space to dispose construction debris and other waste,many important projects concerning development of infrastructure of the city such as monorail,Mithi River,airport,railways,National Highway Authority of India (NHAI),building basements,water-harvesting,CPWD etc,are at halted or delayed.

Arguing for the MCDTWA last week,their lawyer Ghanshyam Upadhyay told the court that although a pressing issue,the government and the municipal corporations of Mumbai,Thane,Navi-Mumbai,Mira-bhyander and Vasai-Virar have evaded from framing a policy for disposal of construction debris. Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Roshan Dalvi adjourned the case for further hearing on September 29.

Citing Section 367 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act,1888 and the Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-laws,2006,the MCDTWA has contended that the corporation has “failed and neglected” its duty of providing a place and ensuring the collection and disposal of construction waste.

According to the MCDTWA,despite the availability of quarries and low-lying plots,the authorities do not permit them to dispose construction waste on these plots citing “frivolous grounds”. These low-lying plots,the MCDTWA has stated,are inundated during monsoon and become breeding grounds for the spread of diseases like malaria,dengue and cholera. Thus,they feel,if these plots are reserved for construction waste disposal,they will not only serve in the interest of the association,but also the public at large.

The association of truck owners has also submitted to the court that the lack of the implementation of a construction waste disposal policy has led to their victimisation at the hands of corrupt corporation officers,putting at stake their livelihood.