In a major blow to residents of Govandi and Deonar, the shifting of SMS Envoclean, the sole biomedical treatment plant in the city, has been deferred for a year now. Even after the residents moved the National Green Tribunal accusing SMS Envoclean of polluting their neighbourhood and threatened to boycott civic elections, the Maharashtra Pollution Control board (MPCB) has now clarified that the shifting of the biomedical plant will happen only by June 2023, after it receives environmental clearance.

Disappointed, the locals are now blaming the state government and MPCB for failing to expedite the shifting process and exposing them to health hazards. “It was only after we sent another complaint to MPCB, that they sent a letter stating that the shifting has been deferred. We have sought an appointment with the new chief minister to discuss the issue. Hope we get an audience and the problem is resolved soon,” said Fayyaz Shaikh, president of NGO Govandi New Sangam Welfare Society.