Mumbai: Case filed against illegal stone and water theft at Atkoli dumping ground

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A case has been registered against unidentified individuals for allegedly stealing stones and water from the Atkoli dumping ground in Bhivandi, located within the Thane Municipal Corporation's jurisdiction. The theft was reported after the individuals accessed the plot, which is designated for scientific waste management, and unlawfully extracted around 5,410 brass of stones and approximately 10 to 15 tanker loads of water daily.

The state government allocated a 34-hectare area in Atkoli, Bhivandi, to the Thane Municipal Corporation for the preparation of a project involving the scientific management of solid waste. As part of the initial phase of the project, the authorities had received complaints about illegal mining activities at the site. In response, the municipal corporation had blocked all access routes to the site.

On January 3, Municipal Deputy Commissioner for Solid Waste Management, Manish Joshi, along with Health Officer Dr. Rani Shinde and other officials, visited the site for an inspection. During their visit, they discovered that the previously closed access routes had been unlawfully reopened. Furthermore, illegal stone mining was taking place at the location.

Following a report by the Municipal Officer Santosh Agiwale, it was determined that approximately 5,410 brass of stones had been mined. Additionally, local residents revealed that water from the natural water source at the site had been siphoned off, with 10 to 15 tanker loads of water being stolen each day.

Acting on the directives of Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Assistant Commissioner of Solid Waste Management, Sunil More, filed a formal complaint at the Padgha Police Station regarding the illegal stone mining and water theft. As a result, the police have filed a case under sections 303(2) and 329(3) of the Indian Penal Code, 2023. The police are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Thane: Mumbai Municipal Commissioner inspects key water supply facilities

Mumbai's water supply system, a critical infrastructure that ensures the city's daily needs, received a detailed inspection today from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner and Administrator, Bhushan Gagrani. His visit took him to two key water management centers: the Pise Water Pumping Station and the Panjarapur Water Treatment Plant, both located in the Thane district, near Bhiwandi.

During his visit, Gagrani reviewed the daily operations of these facilities, engaging in discussions with the officials, workers, and staff present. He also conducted an on-site inspection of essential infrastructure, including the electrical sub-stations, dams, purification plants, and water quality monitoring systems, ensuring that everything is functioning smoothly and efficiently.

Gagrani praised the hard work and dedication of the officers, workers, and employees involved in providing uninterrupted, clean water supply to Mumbai, acknowledging their vital role in sustaining the city's water needs.

The inspection was accompanied by Water Engineer Shri Purushottam Malwade and other concerned officials, who were present to provide updates on the operations and progress of the various projects in place.