Mumbai: A dry waste collection vehicle deployed by BMC in Andheri’s Lokhandwala area was caught dumping waste into Mogra nullah on Monday morning, leading the civic body to issue a show-cause notice to the agency concerned and warn of cancellation of its work order.The incident took place around 10.30am on Sept 14 and was captured on video by a resident of Green Acres housing society overlooking the nullah. The video was subsequently shared with Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association and brought to the attention of civic authorities.Acting on the complaint received on social media X on Sept 14, BMC’s K/West ward office issued a letter dated Sept 15 to Akar Mumbai, which operates three dry waste sorting centres in the division.The civic body said its dry waste collection vehicle was seen emptying waste into the creek/nullah on the rear road of Lokhandwala. BMC also enclosed the vehicle’s Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System (VTMS) report with the letter.BMC officials said waste collected by dry waste vehicles is mandatorily required to be taken to a designated dry waste sorting centre. “This matter is very serious and is in violation of the work order,” the civic body said in its letter.The agency has been asked to explain within 48 hours why the vehicle was emptied into the creek and has also been warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could result in cancellation of the work order and closure of the dry waste sorting centre operated by the organisation.The vehicle travel report, generated on Sept 15, identifies the vehicle and lists Anshuman & Co as the contractor. The report covers the vehicle’s movement between Sept 13 and Sept 14.Dhaval Shah of Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association said the authorities were alerted after the incident was noticed.“The authorities were very proactive when they were informed about the lapse by the contractor. They have assured us that action will be taken to ensure that such practices are not repeated,” Shah said. Residents said dry waste collection vehicles are deployed periodically in the area, with different days earmarked for different types of waste. While some residents segregate dry waste and hand it over separately, mixed waste is also collected.Residents said dumping collected waste into a nullah is particularly concerning as the waterway eventually flows towards the sea. They have sought strict action against those responsible and better monitoring of waste collection vehicles.
