India, Nov. 2 -- A Govandi-based residents' welfare body has demanded an immediate halt to the alleged fresh waste dumping at the Deonar dumping ground as well as a time-bound plan for its scientific closure. The body has warned that the excavation of nearly 185 lakh tonnes of legacy waste, which is currently being undertaken to free the space for housing for the Dharavi Rehabilitation Project, could expose surrounding neighbourhoods to hazardous gases if adequate safeguards are not in place.

In a legal notice dated October 26, the Govandi New Sangam Welfare Society has asked the BMC, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Mumbai police commissioner to comply with its demands within 14 days, failing which it will approach the Bom...