Shiv Sena blames BJP for Deonar fires

Shiv Sena, the ruling party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has directly attacked its alliance partner BJP for the fire incidents at Deonar dumping ground. Alleging that these fires are the “handiwork” of BJP, state environment minister and senior Sena leader Ramdas Kadam has said it was trying to play politics over the issue.

On the backdrop of frequent fires, Mr Kadam, along with other Shiv Sena MPs and ministers, and city mayor Snehal Ambekar visited the dumping ground on Monday.

“BJP is trying to malign Shiv Sena over the fire incidents at Deonar dump. They are doing this in the run up to the BMC polls,” Mr Kadam alleged.

It should be noted that fires have started only after the BMC terminated the maintenance contract of Deonar dump. Inquiry should be held into these incidents, he said, adding that it should also be checked whether the contractor has any links with the BJP leaders.

The BJP should give up the rule in BMC instead of making allegations while in power, the minister said, adding, “They have been in power with us for several years.”

BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta, who was also present on the spot, briefed the minister and others on measures being undertaken by the civic administration to prevent fires at the Deonar dump.

People living in surrounding areas have been facing several health hazards due to these fires.

A major fire at the dumping ground in January this year had created a thick blanket of smog over neighbouring areas, while a fresh fire had broke out there last week.