In an effort to address the persistent issue of a foul odour emanating from the vicinity of CP Lake in Thane, Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Abhijit Bangar has issued a strong warning to both the solid waste department and the contractor. Commissioner Bangar visited the area on Friday morning, where waste collected from Thane city and Kalwa is pre-processed and dispatched. Despite efforts to clear the accumulated waste, the area continues to suffer from a lingering stench, causing distress to citizens and local representatives.

The CP Lake project receives waste from Thane city and Kalwa, with approximately 600 tonnes of waste handled every day, operating around the clock.

Commissioner Bangar emphasized the urgent need to alleviate the stench issue, which has been affecting the area. He proposed a solution involving a daily four to six-hour window dedicated to thorough cleaning. During this time, the carriageway, waste storage section, and the surrounding area should undergo a comprehensive clean-up using best practices available. Such measures are expected to gradually reduce the foul smell and bring relief to the area.

Commissioner Bangar explained that storing fresh garbage temporarily could help mitigate the odour, and disposing of waste daily, coupled with continuous spraying, would further decrease the stench.

The contractor has pledged to implement time-bound changes in the waste handling system at CP Lake, and Commissioner Bangar insisted that this transformation must occur promptly and be subject to daily monitoring. Stringent action will be taken against the contractor if the situation does not improve visibly.

Safety concerns for employees working in the project were also raised during the Commissioner's visit. He emphasized that workers and those operating Ghanta Gadi vehicles should be provided with adequate safety equipment. Every worker should be equipped with a new N95 mask daily, along with gloves and gumboots. Violations of safety standards will result in hefty fines for the contractor. Commissioner Bangar stressed that the well-being of sanitation workers is as crucial as maintaining the cleanliness of the city.

Additionally, Commissioner Bangar proposed the construction of an alternative road adjacent to the main road of Wagle Estate to alleviate traffic congestion and jams. He instructed the construction department to submit plans for this alternative road immediately. Furthermore, the ongoing roadwork near CP Lake, one of the five roads in Wagle Estate, will be audited by a third-party organization to expedite its completion.