₹10 Crore Fine on Thane Municipal Corporation for Diva Dumping Ground Negligence

Mumbai – In a serious blow to civic accountability, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has been fined ₹10.2 crore by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for its failure to clear garbage dumped at the Diva dumping ground between 2016 and 2023. The massive pile of waste, left untreated in a coastal regulation zone (CRZ), has not only polluted the environment but also destroyed sensitive mangrove ecosystems.

The fine was issued on July 2, 2025, following an order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in response to a case filed by Vanashakti Foundation, a Mumbai-based environmental NGO.

A Dumping Ground That Became a Health Hazard

The Diva dumping site, located near the Thane coastline, was reportedly used by TMC for nearly seven years to dispose of the city’s waste. Despite its CRZ classification — which protects coastal areas and prohibits harmful activity — the area was turned into a dumping ground, causing long-term damage to the surrounding environment.

According to the complaint, the piled-up waste led to the destruction of mangroves, which act as natural barriers against floods and also support rich biodiversity. But the issue didn’t end there.

"The dumping site continues to give out a strong stench due to the formation of leachates,” said Stalin D, the founder of Vanashakti Foundation. “This is hazardous to the environment and to the health of those residing nearby.”

Leachates are toxic liquid run-offs that seep through garbage piles and contaminate soil and groundwater. Local residents say they have been struggling with the foul smell, mosquito infestations, and respiratory problems — all caused by the untreated waste.

₹10.2 Crore Fine Imposed for Environmental Damage
 

The MPCB's environmental compensation fine of ₹10.2 crore covers the damage done between 2023 and 2025, when the TMC failed to clear the site despite being made aware of its legal and environmental violations.

The fine reflects not just the cost of environmental repair, but also aims to send a strong message to civic bodies that negligence will not be tolerated — especially in ecologically sensitive zones.

An MPCB official explained, “The Diva dumping case was a clear violation of CRZ norms. Despite repeated notices, the garbage remained untouched, and the health of local communities suffered.”

The Legal Journey: How the Case Reached NGT

The issue gained legal attention in 2023, when Vanashakti Foundation approached the National Green Tribunal with evidence that the land being used for dumping was protected under CRZ laws and that the TMC had no permission to use it for waste disposal.

The NGO argued that TMC had been illegally using the site since 2016, despite the environmental risks. After reviewing the case and conducting site visits, the NGT directed the MPCB to impose a penalty and ensure the garbage is removed at the earliest.

Shifting Dumping Grounds, Rising Public Anger
 

Following the complaint, TMC eventually moved its dumping operations from Diva to Bhandarli, on the outskirts of Thane. However, residents of Bhandarli protested, citing similar health concerns and the risk of pollution. The civic body then shifted the site further away to Daighar Gaon.

While dumping may have moved, the Diva site remains untouched, festering in the open with thousands of tonnes of legacy waste. The foul smell, swarms of insects, and the risk of water pollution have made daily life difficult for locals.

Activists argue that simply shifting the problem from one location to another is not a solution. “It’s like sweeping the dust under the carpet,” said a local resident. “The waste at Diva still needs to be treated and the land must be restored.”

What Happens Next?
 

Now that the penalty has been imposed, the TMC is expected to submit a compliance plan that includes:

• Immediate steps to clear the garbage
• Restoration of mangroves
• Proper waste treatment and disposal strategy
• Future prevention measures to avoid such violations

Environmentalists are urging the civic body to take urgent steps and not treat the penalty as just another financial burden.

A Wake-Up Call for Urban India
 

The Diva dumping ground case is a reminder of how urban waste mismanagement can lead to legal, environmental, and public health disasters. With rapid urban growth, many Indian cities are running out of places to safely dump their garbage — but ignoring environmental rules is not an option.

This ₹10 crore fine is a clear sign that environmental accountability is catching up, and civic bodies can no longer take short-cuts at the cost of nature and human health.

 

Bottom Line?

Neglecting waste management doesn’t just stink — it now comes with a ₹10 crore price tag.