Residents of Wanjawadi Lane in Mahim (West) have submitted a formal complaint to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), demanding the immediate removal of demolition debris lying unattended near the Mama Heights building.
Local community activist Irfan Machiwala, in his letter to the Solid Waste Management Department of G North Ward, warned that the debris—left behind from the demolition of five houses cleared years ago for a road widening project—is now posing a serious threat to public health and safety, especially as the monsoon intensifies.
“The rubble is not just an eyesore—it’s a public hazard,” said Machiwala. “It endangers pedestrians, especially the elderly and children. It also creates dangerous road conditions for two-wheeler riders, and is blocking stormwater drains, making the area prone to mosquito breeding and flooding.”
The complaint highlights the following civic concerns:
- Clogged drains leading to localized waterlogging
- Increased mosquito breeding, raising fears of dengue and malaria outbreaks
- Air pollution from damp construction dust
- Injury risks from broken concrete and sharp debris
Another resident, Sajid Shaikh, also appealed for swift action, stating that the health of the entire neighborhood is at stake. “This problem has remained unresolved for years. With every passing monsoon, it only worsens,” he said.
Residents argue that despite repeated complaints and inspections, no significant steps have been taken by the civic authorities to clear the site or ensure public safety.
With the debris continuing to block drains and spill onto the road, locals fear disease outbreaks, accidents, and a decline in overall hygiene in the area. The residents have now warned that if action is further delayed, they may escalate the matter to higher authorities or stage a protest.
The community has urged the BMC to treat the issue as urgent and undertake a thorough clean-up and disposal operation before further civic disruption occurs.
As Mumbai braces for heavier rains in the coming weeks, the ball is now in the BMC’s court to act swiftly and restore safety and cleanliness to Mahim’s Wanjawadi Lane.
