BMC to Install CCTV in Andheri, Goregaon, Malad, and Borivali Against Illegal Dumping
- The BMC plans to deploy 117 CCTV cameras in Mumbai to combat illegal construction debris dumping in critical areas.
- Illegal dumping has surged, becoming the second-highest citizen complaint, with extensive debris removal efforts recently undertaken.
- The initiative aims to enhance monitoring and penalties for offenders, ultimately improving the city's public spaces.
In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is implementing a significant initiative to combat illegal dumping of construction debris, which has become a pressing issue in the city. Beginning with the installation of 117 CCTV cameras, the project targets specific areas known for frequent dumping, namely Andheri, Goregaon, Malad, and Borivali. The decision comes after reports indicated that debris complaints ranked second in the city's complaint statistics. During a recent citywide cleaning operation, the civic team removed a staggering 150 metric tons of illegally dumped debris in just one day. Despite previous attempts to address this problem, including the installation of cameras in some wards, progress has been hampered by technical issues in the tender process and delays due to elections. With focused efforts, the BMC hopes that CCTV surveillance will enable them to identify offenders and take immediate action against those defacing public spaces. Real-time data will be accessible to civic staff through a mobile application, enhancing response efficiency to these incidents. In addition to technological efforts, the BMC has enacted initiatives such as a debris on-call service, which allows residents to get rid of up to 300 metric tons of construction waste at nominal costs, further promoting responsible waste management. Unfortunately, despite these measures, illegal dumping persists, particularly at night, prompting the formation of special squads within wards to tackle the issue more effectively. Ultimately, the BMC's comprehensive strategy aims to address the illegal dumping crisis and improve the aesthetic quality of public spaces throughout Mumbai by applying technology and community engagement.