Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has summoned state chief secretary (CS) Sujata Saunik to appear before it in a matter related to illegal debris dumping in Aarey Colony. The Commission took suo motu cognizance of an article, “Illegal dumping at Aarey in full swing amid poll fever”, in The Times of India, dated May 17, 2024.
Saunik has been asked to be present in person for a hearing on Jan 29, 2025, and to submit her response in writing. In an affidavit filed before the Commission on Nov 11, Balasaheb Wakchaure, CEO Aarey, stated that his office does not have the logistics and infrastructure “to permanently curb and eliminate this ongoing process of dumping in Aarey property.”
Aarey Conservation Group activist Amrita Bhattacharjee, who is an intervenor in the case, informed the Commission that she has filed complaints about the illegal debris dumping in Aarey Colony with different govt depts but most of these had not responded. tnn