The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to carry out chemical and biological tests of vegetables produced on land along the tracks of the railway’s western, central and harbour routes after concerns were raised over hygiene issues by public representatives before its health committee.
The corporation said it will also recommend railway authorities to initiate strict action against concerned peasants if the tests show presence of dangerous bacteria in vegetables produced along tracks.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) councillor Sudhir Jadhav had proposed to ban such cultivation of vegetables, which, he maintained, was illegal. “Peasants use waste water flowing from nullahs along the tracks for plantation. Given that waste water breeds various viruses/bacteria, it causes various ailments amongst people who consume such vegetables,” Jadhav said, adding that a ban should be imposed on the plantation, stocking and selling of vegetables.
Replying to concerns, municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte said that vegetable plantation along the tracks was allowed by the railways to curb encroachment charges from peasants. However, he added that to verify whether such vegetables cause diseases, the railway authorities will be asked to test the same.
“We too will carry out similar tests at our laboratories. Depending upon the results, railways will be recommended to initiate action,” he said. It was unclear from when these tests would be carried out.
“Since vegetables are handled at various stages, these are required to be washed properly before being used for cooking. Besides, habits like eating food outside and not washing hands before consuming food can also cause illnesses,” Kunte said.
Mumbaikars have welcomed the move.
“It is a very good decision. When one buys vegetables from vendors, s/he is unsure from where the crop has come. It is a known secret that peasants use waste water, which is rich in metal content , and can cause ailments."
