Dumping of debris has started again at IIT-B campus, say environmentalists

Green activist Stalin D has forwarded some pictures of the ongoing work to the MoEF&CC as well

Days after some nature lovers pointed out that trees at the Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay (IIT-B) campus were drying up, city-based environmentalist Stalin D alleged that a fresh round of debris dumping started on the campus on Wednesday, posing a threat to the trees.

Speaking to mid-day, Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti said, "We had complained about the destruction of trees and dumping of debris inside the campus. The IIT-B director had said that the debris was dumped in the earlier years and that the trees were not dying. This is not correct because many trees have died after being buried under debris. Now more trees will be destroyed and land cleared for construction." Stalin also alleged that more debris was dumped on Wednesday, following which he wrote an email to the institute's director, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), officer of S ward, superintendent of Gardens Department of the civic body and principal secretary, Environment.

"We are shocked to know that on Wednesday fresh dumping of debris inside the green area of the campus, which has full-grown trees, has started. This behaviour of the institute is very disappointing. We request the authorities concerned to restore the site and protect the trees. This destruction of trees and illegal dumping of debris at the campus should stop," he added.

The environmentalist has also written an email in this regard to the secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and forwarded pictures of the ongoing work. On December 16, mid-day had reported on some nature lovers complaining about some trees drying up at a particular location on the campus. Taking serious note of it, Stalin had written a letter to the IIT-B authorities, the BMC and environment secretary last Wednesday.