Fed up of stinking garbage, Byculla residents write to CM

Senior citizens of Rustom Baug in Byculla have joined hands with Balaji and Masina Hospitals, to declare a war against the garbage in their locality. They have recently written to the Chief Minister about an open garbage bin in the area, since the BMC has turned a blind eye to this stinking menace that has been a resident of the locality for decades.

Zarine Bahamani, a Rustom Baug resident, points to the open garbage bin. She has been writing to the BMC for its removal for over a year now. Pic/Suresh KK

The open garbage bin is next to Rustom Baug's entrance, near Masina Hospital and opposite the entrance of Balaji Hospital. Three schools are located on the same street, which is riddled with double parking. The bin gives out a foul stench and attracts strays, crows and flies.

BMC's tepid response
The senior citizens have written to the BMC several times in the past year, asking them to remove the bin. Despite assurances, the bin continues to overflow at the same spot with no action taken to remove it. Also, since the dustbin is placed on a footpath, senior citizens are forced to brave the traffic on the road.

Zarine Bahaman and her brother Rustom Jesoomoney have been following up with the issue over a year now. Zarine said, "We first wrote to the local ward office last year, followed by letters to the municipal commissioner. It's been a year and nothing has changed. As a kid, I walked on this footpath without difficulty. Now there is hardly any footpath left to even step on."

Dr P V Battalwar, medical director of Masina hospital said, "This bin is a health hazard. We have written to the BMC so many times. The problem has been there for years." After writing to the ward office, the then ward officer had assured residents of cooperation but nothing changed.

Thus, they have written to the CM to direct the BMC to do something in the matter. mid-day tried contacting assistant commissioner of E ward, Kishor Desai, but he was not available for comment.