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Mumbai's Toxic Creek: Mangroves Dying
6 Nov
Summary
- Toxic leachate from Kanjurmarg dumping ground pollutes Thane Creek.
- The dumping ground is a major source of methane emissions.
- Environmentalists have lodged a complaint with the Union Environment Ministry.
Environmentalists have lodged a complaint with the Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC), citing the severe pollution of Thane Creek by toxic leachate from the Kanjurmarg dumping ground. Satellite images provided show leachate channels actively destroying mangroves and entering the ecologically significant Thane Creek, a Ramsar site.
The Kanjurmarg dumping ground, which handles 86-90% of Mumbai's solid waste, has previously been identified as a major methane emitter. A study from 2026 ranked it 12th globally, with estimated methane discharge rates of 4.9 tonnes per hour.
Activists have warned of this ecological disaster since 2009, leading to legal battles. Despite assurances of scientific operation, the pollution persists. The Bombay High Court has also criticized the handling of the site. Fishermen and residents within a 5km radius are reportedly affected by toxic emissions.
While the BMC commissioner describes Kanjurmarg as a scientific waste-treatment plant, environmental groups maintain that insufficient action is being taken to safeguard the mangroves and marine ecosystem. The Maharashtra government, MPCB, and MoEFCC are urged to intervene urgently.
