Woman affected by Deonar fire files online petition

Mumbai: A resident affected by the fire incidents at the Deonar dumping ground here has started an online petition seeking the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court to uphold the rights of citizens to clean air.

The petition launched last week by Chembur resident Shilpa Bosco on Change.Org, world's largest technology platform for social change, so far has got support from 10,909 people worldwide.

Bosco has highlighted in the petition major factors that have impacted not only locals but the entire ecosystem of the city and urged the apex court to uphold the rights of citizens to clean air.

She alleged that the civic body BMC is "endangering lives" of people of the city and surrounding areas and infringing the "fundamental right to clean air".

"Our children and senior citizens cannot breath..They are suffering from respiratory problems, vomiting, headache. We have been inhaling toxic air. The air is dense and it seems to be getting worse by every passing day," she said.

By not adhering to solid waste management rules and defying the Bombay High Court orders in this regard, the BMC has endangered the lives of citizens, she added.

Preethi Herman, Country Head of Change.Org, said, "Over the last two years, at least four petitions on Deonar (fire) issue have been started on Change.Org by various people demanding action.
 Shilpa's petition has already mobilised thousands of citizens, who are appealing for the issue to be resolved before the effects become irreversible."

Massive fire at Deonar dumping ground in January this year had created a thick blanket of smog over neighbouring areas causing serious health issues to residents, while a fresh fire broke out there last week.