Pointing out dereliction of duty on the part of state authorities, the Bombay high court on Friday directed that a representative from MMRDA, BMC and the collector shall accompany the petitioner and inspect the Vakola nala on Mithi River. It was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) by social activist Jagdish Gandhi that alleged violation of an earlier high court order asking for a stop on dumping in areas that have mangroves.
A division bench comprising Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice M.S. Sonak was hearing the PIL. “There has been dereliction of duty on the part of the government authorities,” said Justice Chandrachud.
The BMC’s lawyer informed the court that the area doesn’t come under their jurisdiction but MMRDA’s. The court observed that it was “absurd” that there was a dispute on jurisdiction.
Mr Gandhi also informed the court that there was a gross violation of an earlier high court order dated December 2, 2012 and illegal dumping was being carried out on a large scale. “I even handed
over a letter to the collector after I inspected the area with the help of local police officials and told him that the area comes under his jurisdiction.”
The high court then directed the agencies to carry out inspection in the area and reply as to what steps were being taken by them in this regard. It asked the MMRDA to complete the inspection on or before September 20 and file a report by October 1.
The next hearing is slated for October 4.