In a significant crackdown on industrial sources of air pollution, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has ordered the immediate closure of ten ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants operating in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The environmental regulator also recovered penalties amounting to a substantial Rs 84 lakh during a rigorous two-day inspection drive.
Widespread Violations Uncovered During Inspections
Special flying squads from the MPCB conducted surprise checks at a total of 44 RMC plants across the metropolitan region. The inspections revealed that numerous units were flouting mandated environmental standards and dust-control regulations. As a direct result, operations were halted at ten plants located in Dombivli, Kalyan, Ambernath, Bhiwandi, Turbhe, Virar, and Worli.
In addition to the shutdowns, the board issued show-cause notices to seventeen other plants, demanding explanations for the observed lapses. Interim directions were served on four additional facilities, pending a final decision on further punitive action.
Construction Sites Also Under Scanner
The enforcement drive was not limited to industrial plants. Teams also scrutinized 29 large construction sites throughout the MMR. At five of these projects, officials noted serious violations related to dust suppression and other air pollution control measures. Proposed directions have been issued to these sites to compel immediate compliance.
This action is being taken under a joint 28-point guideline framework enforced by the MPCB and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The guidelines are specifically designed to regulate industrial and construction activities that contribute to the region's deteriorating air quality.
Mandatory Measures Being Ignored
The prescribed norms mandate several basic but crucial dust-mitigation steps that many sites are failing to implement. These include:
- Using tarpaulin sheets to contain particulate matter within work sites.
- Regular watering of internal roads to settle dust.
- Washing vehicle wheels and bodies before they exit premises.
- Ensuring trucks transporting construction material are fully covered to prevent dust dispersion on public roads.
MPCB officials expressed frustration, stating that non-compliance with these measures continues to be a recurring issue, necessitating strict punitive action.
Sustained Campaign Since December
The current enforcement surge is part of a sustained campaign launched in December, initiated after growing public and governmental concern over the region's worsening air pollution levels. Since the inception of this drive, the MPCB has inspected a staggering 240 RMC plants across the MMR. The cumulative financial penalty recovered in this period now stands at an impressive Rs 4.35 crore, signaling the scale and seriousness of the regulatory effort.
This series of actions underscores the authorities' intensified focus on holding polluting industries and construction projects accountable, as Mumbai and its surrounding regions grapple with the persistent challenge of air quality management.
