Restore 4 Bhiwandi wetlands that are dumps: NGT to Thane collector

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Thane collectorate to clean up four wetlands in Anjur Dive village in Bhiwandi, which were turned into a dumping ground over the last one year.

- Shreya Jachak

MUMBAI: The order dated December 18, which was passed in response to a petition filed by environmental NGO Vanashakti, was uploaded on Tuesday.

The NGT order states that owners of the concerned land should be held accountable for the removal of the debris and restoration of the wetlands. "We direct the District Collector concerned in the capacity of Chairman of the District Coastal Management Committee to take necessary action with regard to removal of the debris found at the four sites... and ensure that no further dumping of debris takes place (there)... if not done by the owners of the lands themselves," states the order, adding the expenses incurred will have to be borne by the land owners.

NGT has ordered the exercise to be completed within three months of the date of uploading the order. "A compliance report in that regard should be submitted to this Tribunal," the order reads.