The Bombay High Court has recently emphasized the need for modernizing the docks within the city to address the concern of pollution caused by the accumulation of solid waste resulting from fishing activities at these spots.
The bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor heard a petition raising the issue of unhygienic conditions prevalent at the Sassoon Docks located in the southern expanse of Mumbai.
The petitioner apprised the high court that the progression of dock modernization become impeded by diverse factors, including an insufficiency of funds as provided by the Centre.
The bench, directed the Government of India, the Mumbai Port Trust (MPT), the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to proffer affidavits by way of rejoinder to the plea submitted.
The bench stated, “Modernization of the dock will be essential for removing the pollution created by solid waste which accumulates every day.”
Following prior HC order, MPCB officers conducted a site visit (at Sassoon Docks) and submitted a report stating that the area was “clean.” Chief Justice quipped in response, “and the reason is that fishing activities were closed.”
The HC stated the responsibility of ensuring proper waste disposal, following the Solid Waste Management Rules, rested jointly with the MPT, BMC, and MPCB.