Bhayandar: Environmental concerns of the twin-city does not seem to be a priority on the agenda of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC). The mandated compilation of the Environmental Status Report (ESR) continues to be an annual ritual for the health department that remains only on paper.
Regarded as a significant tool in context to urban development, the ESR indicates the status of environmental management of any city to identify areas needing more intervention and improvement in terms of curbing pollution and other ecological concerns.
As per rules, it is obligatory for the civic administration to appoint an agency to prepare and submit the ESR before 31, July, every year. Apart from scripting history in delays to meet the deadline, the civic administration has failed to make any efforts towards executing plans to mitigate the shortcomings pointed out by the private agency.
“As soon as we get the reports we will forward the findings to the respective departments, so that they can take rectification steps,” said, deputy municipal commissioner Dr Sambhaji Panpatte.
This year the civic administration has outsourced the ESR compilation work carrying a price tag of Rs 6 lakh.
“The civic body should be more accountable in its approach to such environmental issues which impact all city residents. What is the purpose of spending money on preparing reports when no remedial measure are being taken,” questioned social activist Rohit Suvarna.