Govandi, Mumbai: The Muslim-majority locality of Govandi is witnessing growing opposition to the construction of a waste-to-energy plant in Deonar, with residents fearing severe health hazards. The Govandi Citizen Welfare Forum, led by social activist Shaikh Fayyaz Alam, has written to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) demanding an immediate halt to the project. The group has warned that if their concerns are not addressed within 15 days, they will file a legal petition.
Govandi, home to a large number of Muslim families from economically weaker backgrounds, is already battling pollution from a biomedical waste treatment plant. The toxic emissions have led to widespread respiratory illnesses, especially among children and the elderly. After years of struggle, residents successfully campaigned to stop medical waste incineration, but now fear that the new plant will further endanger their health.
Shaikh Fayyaz Alam emphasized that such projects are deliberately placed in marginalized Muslim-dominated areas, disregarding the well-being of the community. He cited a Bombay High Court ruling that previously ordered the relocation of a similar hazardous facility. The group has urged authorities to revoke the plant’s environmental clearance, conduct a public hearing, and explore alternative waste disposal methods to protect the rights and health of Govandi’s residents.
