L ward: Dumpsters -- Here today, gone tomorrow

Garbage strewn at Sheetal Talao, a community hub, in Kurla West. Pic/Sayed Sameer Abedi

On August 1, mid-day highlighted issues of poorly maintained public toilets, irregular collection of garbage, contaminated water, and threats to operations of the international airport from slum pockets of Jari Mari, Kajupada and Bail Bazaar.

Things have allegedly taken a turn for the worse. Residents say the authorities have removed dumpsters, instead of putting out more. Garbage lies strewn on the streets, and is often tracked across lanes. Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, government and civic agencies are doing away with public dumpsters and are focusing on door-to-door garbage collection.

Sheetal Talao, a community hub that comes alive during Ganpati idol immersions, has been turned into a giant trash bin. Many people also defecate on the premises. The stench from the rotting garbage and faeces keeps locals away. Avinash Dharmadhikari, senior inspector of Saki Naka police station, says tighter, round-the-clock vigilance is in place to prevent trespassers from entering the premises of the airport.