Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra government to constitute a high-level committee reporting to the Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) to prepare a blueprint for shifting the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, located in the midst of a densely populated area.

“Considering that the issue in hand is of seminal importance, and is touching the basic human rights of the citizens, we are of the clear opinion that the Chief Secretary of the State Government along with the Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department under the supervision and guidance of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister… consider these issues on an urgent basis,” the court said.

The Municipal Commissioners of neighbouring corporations,, and a representative from the State Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change should also participate and help prepare a robust action plan to resolve the problems faced by residents due to dumping activities, it added.

A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif Doctor passed the order while hearing a PIL filed by NGO Vanashakti, challenging the environmental clearance granted for using the Kanjurmarg site as a dumping ground.

Despite years of complaints from residents about the stench and serious health and environmental hazards, the issue has remained unresolved. “We can’t keep these issues hanging for years and keep getting petitions,” the bench remarked.

On June 30, the HC had flagged the continued use of common dumping grounds in thickly populated areas like Kanjurmarg and urged authorities to develop a “robust dumping mechanism.”

It also suggested that municipal corporations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) consider pooling dumping grounds at a common site away from human habitation.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Additional Government Pleader Jyoti Chavan sought an adjournment, citing the unavailability of key officials due to the monsoon session of the Assembly. The court was unimpressed: “This issue should be discussed on the floor of the Assembly. Lakhs of people are affected. This is indirectly saying, ‘We don’t have time’.”

Chavan said discussions were underway to find a solution.

The court urged the state to study international best practices in waste management. “We should have a proper study on how it’s done in developed countries. Something is clearly amiss. Particularly with our experience with Deonar. Why should people have to come to court?”

Noting Mumbai’s ever-growing population, the bench raised concerns over increasing pressure on water supply and open spaces. “Water scarcity starts from November. More skyscrapers are coming up in small spaces, leaving no open areas. Some things prick our conscience.”

It stressed the need for urgent planning. “Kanjurmarg is already surrounded by habitation and will soon reach saturation. Corporations must act now and shift dumping grounds outside city limits.”

“If we don’t focus on this now, it will spiral out of control in 25 years. A stitch in time saves nine,” the court said.

The committee has two weeks to submit its blueprint. “Before passing drastic orders, we give the government a chance — but we won’t give a very long rope.” The next hearing is scheduled for July 22.