MBMC reactivates anti-debris brigade after 2-year absence to combat illegal dumping

Mira Bhayandar: After being inoperative for over two years, the Anti-Debris Squad (ADS) tasked with checking and preventing illegal dumping activities in the twin cities has finally been reactivated by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC).

The MBMC health department was alarmed by the massive dumping of waste, especially in ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, creeks, streams, wetlands, coastal areas and nullahs. In November 2017, the MBMC introduced the concept of a 24×7 anti-waste dumping squad to check and prevent such illegal activities. These activities not only posed a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem but also increased the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

Illegal dumping | File photo

However, the near-zero performance in its Action Taken Report (ATR) due to deliberate apathy to control the dumping menace, the ADS was disbanded a few years after its inception. Increasing incidents of rampant dumping, prompted the MBMC to reactivate the ADS to keep vigil at night.

The members of the team that took action against the dumping mafia | Archive image

“Six teams have been formed, each comprising five members, including sanitation inspectors, supervisors and security guards. So far, the reactivated ADS has taken action against seven truck drivers who were illegally dumping waste at different spots,” said Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sachin Bangar.

The police have the authority to register criminal cases against the offenders at the concerned police stations. The units are equipped with the necessary resources including patrol jeeps and other equipment.

In addition to guarding the access roads to the twin city, the team’s duties included keeping a close eye on roadside dumping of waste by citizens and commercial establishments, and carrying out repair and renovation works.

The ADS will specifically monitor and take action against those who hang illegal banners that disfigure the sister city.