The Bombay High Court has criticised the BMC over garbage piling up on Mumbai’s streets, saying its claims appear confined to paper while ground reality remains different. The court warned of action and directed the Municipal Commissioner to submit details on enforcement against littering and waste management measures by Thursday.

The Bombay High Court has sought a detailed report from the BMC on enforcement against street littering and uncollected waste | AI Generated Representational Image

Mumbai, August 24, 2026: Expressing strong displeasure over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) handling of street waste, the Bombay High Court on Monday pointed out a sharp disconnect between the civic body's official claims and ground realities, warning officials of strict action over uncollected garbage.

Court Questions BMC Action

A bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale demanded answers from the BMC Commissioner regarding concrete steps being implemented to prevent waste and garbage from piling up on public roads.

"We want to know what action is being taken? We feel whatever the BMC claims is only on paper, and the action, in reality, is not taken," the bench observed.

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Observing that streets across every civic ward remain littered with garbage, the court criticised ward officers for neglecting their primary duties.

Issuing a stern warning, the bench remarked: "Put your house in order or else we will take action. Take our word."

Kanjurmarg Waste Concerns

The warnings came during the hearing of a batch of petitions, including a petition filed by Kannamwar Nagar CHS Association Ltd, raising serious concerns over persistent foul odours, toxic gas emissions, severe pollution, and health hazards faced by residents near the Kanjurmarg dumping ground.

Responding to the court’s scrutiny, an affidavit was filed by the BMC outlining the municipal corporation's regulatory compliance measures.

The civic body informed the court that it is enforcing the newly framed Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-Laws, 2025.

Mitigation Measures Outlined

Further, to address environmental concerns surrounding the Kanjurmarg site, the affidavit detailed immediate mitigation steps, including:

— Enhancing bio-enzyme application and expanding misting cannon coverage across processing areas;

— Improving soil cover on inactive bioreactor landfill (BLF) cells;

— Deploying seasonal deodorant adjustments during winter evenings; and

— Strengthening civic complaint redressal mechanisms with mobile monitoring tracking.

The affidavit specifies the application of fresh daily soil cover and specialised impermeable geomembrane capping on inactive Bioreactor Landfill (BLF) cells to prevent leachate leakage and control landfill gas emissions.

Addressing localised wind patterns during evening hours and winter months, the BMC affidavit detailed adjustments to its chemical-deodorant mix, utilising heavier neutralisers designed to suppress localised gas buildup during cooler temperatures.

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Monitoring And Enforcement

The corporation emphasised that ward-level inspection teams have been integrated into a mobile-based monitoring network to track waste collection vehicles, clear illegal dumping spots, and log public complaints in real time.

The High Court has adjourned the matter to Thursday, directing the Municipal Commissioner to present a comprehensive update on actual enforcement and punitive actions taken against street littering.

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