India, May 13 -- A fire at a temporary garbage dump set up by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) near Vasai Creek - within a designated Coastal Regulatory Zone - has triggered alarm over environmental violations and potential damage to sensitive mangrove and forest areas. The site, located in Gaimukh along Ghodbunder Road and near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), is under scrutiny for breaching ecological safeguards.

The fire, allegedly sparked by methane emissions from the accumulated waste, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups. Vanashakti, a city-based environmental NGO, has written to multiple authorities, including the Thane collector, SGNP director, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), flaggin...