ULHASNAGAR: The first general body meeting of the newly elected Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation turned stormy, with sharp exchanges between ruling Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and BJP corporators over the long-pending dumping ground issue and persistent water scarcity in the city.The meeting saw intense debate over the dumping ground located in the Khadi quarry area of Ulhasnagar Camp No. 5. Corporators alleged that frequent fires at the site have been releasing toxic smoke, severely impacting nearby residential areas. BJP members claimed that the worsening pollution has forced thousands of residents to migrate, while over 30,000 people continue to face serious health risks. Some corporators even alleged a rise in severe illnesses, including cancer, among locals.During the discussion, BJP corporator Sherry Lund raised concerns over the health of noted Sindhi spiritual leader Sant Devprakash Maharaj, who is currently undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital. Lund alleged that doctors have advised the saint against returning to Ulhasnagar due to hazardous pollution near his ashram in the Swami Shantiprakash area.Mayor Ashwini Nikam’s recent visit to the dumping site also came under focus, with corporators pointing out that she experienced breathing difficulties during the inspection, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.Members from BJP, Shiv Sena and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi jointly demanded immediate relocation of the dumping ground and fulfilment of earlier assurances made by the civic administration.Municipal Commissioner Manisha Awhale informed the house that waste processing at the site has begun and that a collective dumping mechanism is being developed at Badlapur for scientific disposal of garbage.Apart from the heated discussions, the general body meeting also announced the formation of the standing committee, with eight members each from Shiv Sena and BJP being appointed. Additionally, a total of nine special committees were constituted, with representation given to members from both the ruling parties.The meeting also witnessed strong protests over irregular water supply, with corporators alleging mismanagement in valve operations leading to continued shortages across several areas.
