State Human Rights Commission Directs Andheri RTO to Clear Debris from Its Plot in 15 Days

Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) directed the Andheri RTO to clear the garbage and debris from its plot within 15 days. TOI highlighted in its Monday edition the illegal dumping of garbage and debris on the Andheri RTO plot, which was a long-standing issue for local residents.
The next hearing of the SHRC was set for Oct 24, and the RTO was instructed to provide photographs of the cleaned-up plot at that time.An Andheri RTO senior official stated that the process of hiring security guards for 24/7 surveillance has already commenced. Furthermore, the govt sanctioned Rs 51 lakh for the construction of a compound wall, which would be carried out by the Public Works Department of the state govt.
The court's order stressed the paramount importance of the health of nearby housing society residents and mandated the immediate removal of garbage and debris as instructed. After months of protests by an Andheri citizens' group advocating for clean air, the MSHRC took suo motu cognisance of the matter a few days back and filed a case.
Milind Kulkarni, Secretary of Ekta Association, a federation of occupants of eight buildings adjacent to the plot, was at the forefront of raising the issue of illegal garbage dumping and alleged encroachment. He stated that "the right to breathe clean air is a fundamental human right, and the state has an obligation to protect it."
Kulkarni alleged that the driving test plot at the Andheri West RTO, where vehicles underwent regular testing, was in a deplorable state, with garbage littering the area and dust polluting the air, creating health hazards for residents. The court's order and the MSHRC's involvement brought much-needed attention to the issue, and the residents of the area were optimistic that the situation would improve soon.