Four RMC Plants Shut, Rs 1.89 Crore Penalty Recovered as MPCB Steps Up Crackdown in Mumbai Region

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has intensified enforcement action across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to improve air quality, acting on directions issued by the Bombay High Court. Over the past few weeks, inspection teams have carried out a large-scale drive against ready-mix concrete units and construction projects found violating environmental norms, leading to plant closures and heavy penalties.

Enforcement drive led by MPCB leadership

The special flying squads were formed under the leadership of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Chairman Siddhesh Kadam and guided by Member Secretary M Devender Singh, IAS. The initiative follows the court's emphasis on improving deteriorating air quality in Mumbai city and its surrounding areas.

Four RMC plants ordered shut after inspections

During the last eight days, MPCB teams inspected 163 ready-mix concrete plants across the region. As a result, four RMC plants were ordered to shut down. These included Deepak Stone Company and Crystal Concrete Infra at Turbhe in Navi Mumbai, Saloni Construction, and Foam Rock LLP in Bhiwandi.

In addition, 59 RMC plants were issued proposed directions, while 34 plants received interim directions for immediate corrective action. Authorities stated that several units failed to comply with prescribed environmental safeguards, particularly dust and emission control measures.

Rs 1.89 crore penalty recovered from non-compliant units

Following inspections, penalties worth Rs 1.89 crore were recovered under bank guarantee provisions from 35 RMC plants. Of these, 24 were located in Mumbai city, one in Kalyan, and ten in Navi Mumbai. The fines were imposed for violations of environmental guidelines laid down by the board.

The flying squads also visited 108 large construction projects currently underway. Two projects were penalised a total of Rs 10 lakh after inspectors found shortcomings in pollution control measures at the sites.

Rs 3.59 crore collected since December, more action planned

From December until early January, MPCB inspected 196 RMC plants in total and recovered Rs 3.59 crore in penalties. Officials said the enforcement drive will continue as a focused campaign across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with strict action against establishments that fail to follow pollution control norms.

Alongside penalties, the board is also providing technical guidance to help units comply with regulations. Member Secretary M Devender Singh, IAS is personally reviewing the daily inspection work, ensuring that violators are directed to immediately implement corrective technical measures.

Chairman Siddhesh Kadam said the board remains committed to improving Mumbai's air quality and that, if required, additional flying squads will be deployed to strengthen enforcement efforts further.