Residents say the footpath opposite Jama Masjid Garden is rendered unwalkable due to the mess

Residents of Sector 17, Airoli are voicing their concern over the growing issue of indiscriminate garbage dumping between two garden spaces located opposite the Jama Masjid Garden. What was once intended to be a green community area is now an eyesore and health hazard due to the increasing pile of trash, leading to outrage among locals and environmentalists.

Cynthia D’Souza, a concerned resident of Sector 17, said, “Urgent attention is needed as there is garbage dumping between two garden spaces under the jurisdiction of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). This is causing pollution and ruining the environment. Please take immediate action. The location that requires attention is Sector 17, Airoli, opposite Jama Masjid Garden”.

Residents sent images highlighting the extent of the problem, showing trash scattered across the ground. The accumulation of waste, including plastic bags, food waste, and debris, has left the area looking neglected, with dark cylindrical posts near the pile suggesting a long-standing issue.

Reema Subramanian, another resident, expressed her concerns, “The garbage dump is not only marring the beauty of the gardens but also posing serious environmental and health risks. Stray animals have been spotted rummaging through the trash, raising concerns about pests and possible dog bites”.

The sharp contrast between the lush greenery of the gardens and the growing mound of refuse has left residents frustrated and disillusioned.

Parth Shah, a resident of the area, added, “This is a disgrace. We pay our taxes, and this is how we are treated. The NMMC needs to take immediate action to clean up this mess and prevent it from happening again”.

In an effort to raise awareness, local citizens have turned to social media platforms, tagging the NMMC's official Twitter account (@NMMConline) and using hashtags like #NaviMumbai to demand swift intervention from authorities.

Hemant More, another resident from Sector 17, voiced his disappointment, saying, “It’s disheartening to see our community spaces being treated like a landfill. We urge the NMMC to take swift action to clean up this mess and implement measures to prevent future dumping. The lack of adequate garbage disposal measures has not only degraded the area but also diminished the quality of life for nearby residents.”