Environmentalists and their to-do list

Environmentalists are ready with their list of ‘must fight’ issues for a more habitable city.

Protection of wetlands: The state wetland committee was formed in 2014, following pressure from the HC and environmentalists who filed a PIL to protect the wetlands in the city. The mangrove cell’s report to the HC stated that the scale of destruction of wetlands at sites along the sea coast in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai visited by the cell this year were found to be “outrageous”. In the coming year, environmentalists will fight for tougher laws against dumping of debris and landfilling activities at the wetlands and increase in vigilance in these areas.

No more felling of trees for projects: Activists allege that there is no follow up by the BMC’s gardens department to ensure that twice the number of trees cut for a project are replanted and that these trees survive. Their solution — no more permission to cut trees. “Work projects around existing trees or get stricter norms,” say environmentalists.

Protection of natural heritage: Flamingo habitats, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Aarey and other green spaces, including the hillocks in the city, are certain to get more publicity in the coming year. The only way to protect these areas is if people know of and enjoy their beauty and benefits, feel environmentalists. They will continue to fight to save the large open spaces and make them more recreational for people.

Zero waste reaching dumping ground: Better solid waste management is one of the basic services that a city needs and it begins at home. Making segregation a part of the public psyche will be something that the activists will work towards. With less garbage making its way to the dumping ground, there will be less pollution in terms of air pollution caused by trucks carrying waste and the smell and toxic fumes emanating from the dumping grounds.

Managing vehicular/air pollution: Air quality remains one of the leading concerns in Mumbai as most of us spend a significant time in traffic jams, inhaling polluted air. With construction work across the city, dust is also a major concern. Next year, environmentalists will work towards getting the government to enforce higher fuel standards and encourage public transport. A complete ban on open air burning of garbage is another issue environmentalists will take up next year.

Focus on pedestrian walkways: While the BMC’s roads department only concentrates on motorised transport in their budget ad activities, environmentalists will force the civic body to create a small budget for better pedestrian infrastructure. Better footpaths, encroachment-free walkways and cycling infrastructure top their list.

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