Govandi-Mankhurd residents allege neglect and discrimination over pollution from RMC plants, dumping yard

The Govandi-Mankhurd area, which falls in the civic body's M-East ward, is facing two crises at once: serious air pollution and gross administrative neglect. Residents have levelled a serious charge against the state government and the Municipal Corporation, alleging step-motherly treatment.

Locals say Govandi-Mankhurd is seen only as a "slum of the poor" and is ignored for that reason, while VIP areas are being given modern facilities. They say various technologies are being used to improve air quality in Mumbai's upscale areas, but Govandi has been left to fend for itself.

Smoke and harmful particles from the Deonar dumping yard, a biomedical waste plant (SMS Enviro) and three ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants have made the area a breeding ground for disease. Local corporator Jamir Qureshi made tireless efforts, as a result of which the civic body shut down one RMC plant, bringing some relief. However, it is said that strict action is still needed against the remaining three plants.

Three illegal plants, near the civic office and next to the Malhar wedding hall at Baiganwadi signal, are cited as an example of how indifferent the administration is. Fine cement dust from these plants mixes with food and drink and reaches people's lungs. According to doctors, this toxic pollution is among the main factors behind life-threatening illnesses in the area such as cancer, asthma and tuberculosis.

Citing the safety of citizens' health, there is a strong demand that the plants be moved away from the hall, or that the hall be removed from the site.

One resident described the distress thus: "For eight years we have been pleading with the government and the Municipal Corporation that, like everyone else, we too need clean air and water to live. But all we get is cement dust from the RMC plants and toxic fumes from the SMS company. This is step-motherly treatment."

In short, although the closure of one plant has brought some relief, the residents of Govandi-Mankhurd are still waiting for clean air. They are watching to see when action will be taken against the remaining plants.