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🏭 Deonar Dumping Ground Emits Toxic Pollutants at 4X the Safety Limit: Study Warns of Health Crisis
Mumbai | June 7, 2025 —
A newly published environmental study has found that toxicology indicators at the Deonar dumping ground—India’s oldest and one of Asia's largest landfills—are four times above the prescribed safety limits, raising serious concerns about the health of nearby residents and the ecological safety of Mumbai's eastern suburbs.
The comprehensive study, conducted by a joint team of environmental scientists from IIT Bombay and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), monitored air and soil samples over a period of six months.
🚨 Key Findings from the Deonar Toxicology Study
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like benzene and toluene were 400% above WHO safe limits
PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter exceeded national ambient air quality standards by 3.5x
Soil samples showed heavy metal contamination, including dangerous levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic
Methane emissions from decomposing organic waste were found at explosive concentrations in certain pockets
“We are looking at a slow-burning environmental and public health disaster,” said lead researcher Dr. Ramesh Tiwari.
🧬 Health and Environmental Impact
The prolonged exposure to such toxins is linked to a rise in respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, and potentially carcinogenic effects among residents in Govandi, Mankhurd, and Chembur.
Key risks include:
Chronic bronchitis and asthma in children
Increased cancer risks due to benzene exposure
Neurotoxic effects from heavy metals like lead
Groundwater contamination from leachate runoff
Environmentalists also warn of the long-term degradation of local biodiversity and soil infertility in adjoining mangrove belts.
🛑 Residents Demand Urgent Action
Local activist groups and NGOs have renewed their demand for:
Immediate relocation of the landfill
Establishment of waste-to-energy plants
Biomining and scientific landfill closure
Free health checkups and compensation for affected residents
Despite multiple fires, air quality alerts, and legal interventions, the Deonar dumping ground continues to receive over 5,000 metric tonnes of waste daily.
⚖️ Government Response
Following the report, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a statement promising an “emergency meeting” to assess mitigation strategies and accelerate waste processing infrastructure upgrades.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also taken suo motu cognizance and may issue fresh directives soon.
✅ FAQs: Deonar Toxicity Crisis
Q1: Where is the Deonar dumping ground located?
A: Deonar is situated in Mumbai’s eastern suburb near Govandi and Mankhurd and is one of Asia’s oldest landfill sites.
Q2: What toxins were found in the study?
A: VOCs like benzene and toluene, heavy metals like lead and cadmium, and elevated particulate matter levels were found at 3-4x the safety limits.
Q3: How is this affecting local residents?
A: People living nearby report respiratory issues, skin problems, and higher incidences of chronic illness due to poor air quality and soil contamination.
Q4: Is the government taking action?
A: The BMC has promised intervention, and the NGT is reviewing the situation. However, concrete progress on relocation or remediation has been slow.
Q5: What are the long-term solutions proposed?
A: Experts suggest biomining the landfill, setting up waste-to-energy systems, and banning open dumping in residential zones.
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Reported by Benny on June 8, 2025.