Wetland used as a dumping ground – NGO claim
3 Dec, 2012The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has approved the area around Kanjurmarg in the Thane creek to be used as a dumping ground for solid waste.
An environmental non-profit organization, Vanashakti, had filed applications under the right to Information (RTI) Act seeking the details about the matter. The replies to the appeals indicate that Kanjurmarg dumping ground was recommended for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance by the MCZMA in questionable manner. Vanashakti claims that the said area is an inter-tidal coastal wetland and is classified as CRZ 3 in maps but the corporation declared the site “free” from CRZ. It also said that Municipal Solid Waste rules of 2000 do not allow the use of wetlands for waste disposal but they were overlooked.
On the other hand, Principal Secretary (environment), Valsa Nair has denied the allegations and contended that all the existing norms were followed while granting clearance.