Notice issued to Mumbai’s Wilson Gymkhana over light pollution

Mumbai: The Mumbai city Collector issued notice to Wilson Gymkhana over usage of excessive floodlights during nighttime. It is the first such case where the government agency took action against an institute over light pollution.

The Mumbai city District Collector has asked Wilson Gymkhana on Marine Drive to take down the floodlights erected on the grounds.

Nilesh Desai, a Girgaon resident, has complained about the excessive lights the gymkhana is using during the night for sports events and other functions organised on the gymkhana ground.

Sakal Times had carried the story first on December 14 last year about light pollution.

The gymkhana land is owned by the Revenue Department, but events such as sports competitions and weddings, among others, are organised by Wilson Multimedia Private Limited. Acting on Desai’s complaint, Collector Shivaji Jondhale investigated the matter and issued a notice after proper hearings from the Gymkhana. Collector’s office held several hearings on the issue and gave time to the gymkhana to clarify their stand, where they failed to represent the gymkhana. The notice issued by the Collector says that the gymkhana had not taken permissions for using the floodlights during the night after 10. These high-intensity floodlights cause harm to the residents. 

“Even after a one-month ultimatum, the gymkhana failed to remove the lights. We will take action against them,” said Jondhale.  Light pollution is the term used to describe excessive or obtrusive man-made light. In extreme cases, long-term exposure to excessive light could cause hallucinations, sleep disorders, and even lead to psychiatric problems.

The Collector also ordered them to pay the rent to the government for the lease of the land. The rent for the year 2017 is Rs 9,89,373 and Rs 10,28,947 was pending out of which only Rs 5 lakh has been paid and the total dues amount to Rs 15,18,320.  “If the rent amount is not paid, the lease of the land won’t be extended further,” Jondhale said.