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Students Turn Tide Against River Polluters
18 Jul
Summary
- Students' protests halted waste dumping on Mula-Mutha river banks.
- A large fire at the dump forced student evacuation and hospitalizations.
- NGT ordered gram panchayats to cease dumping on June 12.
Garbage trucks repeatedly dumped waste along the Mula-Mutha river, leading to severe pollution. Despite years of complaints, the issue escalated when a large fire broke out at the dump in late February 2026. This incident, which caused smoke inhalation hospitalizations among students at MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul World School, became a turning point.
Students from MIT-ADT University and MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul World School then organized protests, blocking garbage trucks. Their actions compelled the gram panchayats of Loni Kalbhor and Kadamwak Wasti to cease dumping. The National Green Tribunal officially intervened on June 12, restraining the gram panchayats from further waste disposal at the site.
The riverbanks, once home to trees, became covered in over 50% waste. The university has since spent approximately Rs 25-30 lakh to clear the accumulated garbage. Authorities are urged to find permanent waste management solutions to prevent future recurrence.
