Categories
At the southern end of Juhu Beach, far from the glamorous hotels and posh residential areas, there is a section of the beach that has become notorious for its constant garbage dumping. This spot, located away from the more pristine parts of the beach, is where the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) disposes of all the waste collected from the entire six-kilometre stretch of Juhu Beach. Despite claims from the authorities that waste is collected twice a day and properly disposed of, this area remains a constant source of irritation for both residents and beachgoers due to the overwhelming stench and unsightly piles of waste.
Local resident Datta Gowde, who resides in Juhu Koliwada, has been vocal about his frustration with the garbage accumulation in the area. “That spot always has garbage and a stink around it,” he said, sharing his experiences during his evening walks along the beach. On a recent visit, a reporter from HT observed dumpers arriving and unloading the waste collected from the beach at this same spot. The moment the garbage was dumped, it quickly attracted stray dogs, crows, eagles, and waste pickers—all scavenging through the refuse right next to where people were trying to enjoy a game of cricket.
“We have to walk around it to get to the cleaner part of the beach,” Gowde added, describing the inconvenience caused by the heaps of garbage that remain at the spot. The situation has been a problem for at least three years, according to locals, and despite numerous complaints to the BMC, no action has been taken to address the issue.
Locals have expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of response from authorities, and many feel that their concerns have been largely ignored. In addition to the general waste from the beach, a troubling incident occurred recently when a truck arrived at the site, unloading construction and demolition debris along with the regular garbage. Activist and Juhu Koliwada resident Nicky D’Souza took it upon herself to investigate and discovered that the truck belonged to the BMC’s K West ward. The truck, known as a “disaster dumper,” is typically used for debris from emergency situations or demolitions, further adding to concerns about improper waste disposal.
This additional waste, mixed in with the already overflowing garbage pile, exacerbates the problem. Not only does it make the area more unsightly, but it also raises health and environmental risks. The proximity of the garbage to the ocean is particularly concerning, as there is a real danger that waste could be carried into the water by the wind or tides, worsening pollution and potentially harming marine life.
The situation is a stark contrast to the image of Juhu Beach as a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. While the beach could be a clean and inviting place for families and visitors, the garbage dump at the southern end has turned it into an eyesore. The BMC’s claims of efficient garbage collection seem disconnected from the reality on the ground, where locals and tourists continue to face the consequences of poorly managed waste disposal.
The constant presence of garbage at this site has become a source of distress for Juhu Koliwada residents, who have been pushing for better waste management practices. They are calling for more frequent garbage collections, stricter waste segregation, and an end to the practice of dumping construction debris in public spaces. Many are also urging the BMC to find an alternative location for waste disposal that is away from the beach, where it will not negatively impact the environment or the community.
As the situation continues, it is clear that the locals’ calls for action are growing louder. The people of Juhu Beach deserve better than an area constantly burdened with waste. It is crucial that the civic authorities take immediate and decisive steps to improve waste management in the area to preserve the beauty of the beach and the health and safety of those who visit it. Without swift action, the reputation of Juhu Beach as one of Mumbai’s iconic locations could continue to be tarnished by its ongoing garbage problem.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Localtak staff.
Also Read : Death Toll Rises to At Least 10 in US Floods and Heavy Rain
