Mumbai: BMC General Body Unanimously Seeks Dedicated Coastal Committee To Tackle Marine Pollution, Protect Koliwadas

Mumbai’s coastline is facing a growing problem of waste, sewage, plastic pollution and encroachments, endangering marine life and the traditional Koli community’s livelihoods. In a unique display of unity, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) General Body unanimously passed a Notice of Motion on Friday to establish a dedicated Coastal Committee.

The committee would tackle marine pollution, protect Koliwadas, preserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable coastal development. The proposal was moved by BJP corporator Yogita Koli, who outlined the committee’s responsibilities, including monitoring marine pollution, maintaining beach cleanliness and aesthetics, conserving marine biodiversity, overseeing Koliwada infrastructure, promoting sustainable coastal tourism, and preventing encroachments and environmental degradation.

Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Ankit Prabhu recommended that the BMC examine coastal management techniques employed by other cities and adopt the most effective ones. Chintamani Nivate, a fellow UBT corporator, expressed concern over waste from Juhu beach being dumped at Khar Danda, transforming it into a dumping ground and demanded its immediate cleanup.

Former Mayor Vishakha Raut highlighted the Mithi River’s contribution to the flow of waste into Dadar Chowpatty and urged the installation of a trash boom to prevent garbage from entering the sea. The corporators also stressed the need for regular beach cleaning at Madh, Aksa and other locations, pointing out the detrimental effects of marine waste on fishermen.

They noted that waste is increasingly being found mixed with fish in catches, impacting both fishermen's livelihoods and the marine ecosystem. The motion was unanimously approved and will now be forwarded to the BMC administration for further consideration.