500 dumpers of debris fill holding pond in Belapur, raise flood fears

Navi Mumbai: Around 500 dumpers of debris have allegedly been dumped into the holding pond in Sector 8 of CBD Belapur, according to complaints raised by local residents and activists. They claim that nearly an acre of the pond has been reclaimed through continuous dumping over the past two years. The pond’s outlet has also reportedly been choked, reducing its capacity and allowing silt to accumulate over time.Residents fear flooding during the upcoming monsoon because of the siltation. They recently approached the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), Cidco and the forest department, but allege that no action has been taken. Written complaints were submitted to the authorities on March 5, 2026, and July 21, 2025.The holding pond is situated at the base of Belapur hills and serves as a crucial catchment for rainwater flowing down from the hills, helping protect surrounding areas from flooding. Activists allege that an illegally constructed road has blocked the pond’s outlet from within and created access for unauthorized activities and business operations.Residents say unchecked vehicular movement has further accelerated illegal dumping in the area. They have demanded an immediate halt to dumping, installation of CCTV cameras, removal of the unauthorized road and declaration of the pond area as a protected zone.Members of the local citizens’ group, Save Belapur Sanghatana, had earlier alerted authorities to rampant debris dumping, tree felling and construction of a religious structure in the area through a letter submitted in March this year.Another organisation, Sajag Nagarik Manch–Navi Mumbai, had also written to the authorities last year. Its chairman, Sudhir Dani, said, “We demand immediate installation of sturdy bollards at the entrance to block unauthorized entry of vehicles and permanently prevent illegal debris dumping and anti-social activities. No action has been taken despite the demand being raised over the past year.”Responding to the concerns, NMMC deputy municipal commissioner (Zone I) Somnath Potare said, “The illegal road and dumped debris will be removed within a week or before the onset of the monsoon. CCTV cameras will also be installed to identify vehicles involved in dumping waste into the pond during the night.” -- Umesh K Parida