MUMBAI – In a significant move to combat the city’s rising dust levels, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a formal notice to a ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant in Powai. The action follows an inspection that revealed multiple violations of environmental safety rules, highlighting the government’s toughening stance on industrial pollution.
Serious lapses in dust control
The MPCB’s investigation found that the facility was failing to meet basic standards designed to keep the air clean. One of the primary concerns was the state of the cement silos, the massive towers used to store dry cement. Officials observed that these silos were not properly covered, allowing fine cement particles to escape into the wind and settle over nearby residential areas.
Additionally, the plant’s active dust-fighting tools were found to be ineffective. While the facility had “fogging” machines and water sprinklers installed, they were reportedly non-functional during the site visit. These systems are critical in urban environments because they spray a fine mist that weighs down dust particles, preventing them from floating into the lungs of residents.
Roads turned into dust hazards
The notice also pointed to a lack of “tyre-washing” systems at the plant’s exit. In a busy city like Mumbai, construction trucks often carry wet mud and concrete slurry on their wheels. Without a proper washing station, this waste is dragged onto public roads. Once it dries, it turns into “road dust,” which is then kicked up by passing traffic, contributing significantly to the city’s poor Air Quality Index (AQI).
Improper waste handling
Environmental officers further noted that the plant lacked a scientific method for managing “sludge”, the thick waste material left over from production. Instead of being treated or disposed of safely, the waste posed a risk of clogging local drainage systems and contaminating the ground.
A two-week deadline
The MPCB has given the plant operator a strict 15-day window to rectify these deficiencies. This period is considered a final warning, if the plant fails to install the required covers, fix its sprinklers and implement a waste management plan, it faces more severe penalties, including a total power disconnection and a permanent shutdown.
Why it matters
This enforcement action is part of a larger “war on dust” across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. As the city undergoes rapid infrastructure growth, the MPCB is signaling that construction speed cannot come at the cost of public health. For the residents of Powai and beyond, the notice represents a vital step toward a cleaner, more breathable urban environment.
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Disclaimer – This article is for informational purposes only and provides a general overview of environmental compliance. It is not intended as legal advice or a substitute for official regulatory documentation.
Source – ET Realty
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