Bombay HC: 'Right to Fresh Air' Vital, Tackles Kanjurmarg Dump

The Bombay High Court has strongly intervened in the critical issue of municipal solid waste disposal at the Kanjurmarg dumping site, asserting that the "right to breathe fresh air" is a fundamental right under Article 21. The court expressed grave concern over the "serious health concerns" and pollution caused by the site's pervasive odor, describing the situation as an "emergency."

The bench directed the state government to implement immediate, short-term measures to mitigate the pollution affecting thousands of residents. It emphasized that the contractor is accountable for public well-being and that no dumping ground should violate basic human rights. Furthermore, the court mandated an effective, round-the-clock grievance redressal mechanism for citizen complaints.

Highlighting the daily receipt of nearly 6,500 metric tonnes of waste, the court questioned the long-term contract (2011-2036) and the perceived lack of scientific remedies. It warned against the site becoming a mere commercial venture at the expense of citizens' health and the environment, stressing the need for scientific study and waste segregation.