MPCB Cracks Down on Air Pollution, Shuts 10 RMC Plants in Mumbai and MMR

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) stepped up action against air pollution in Mumbai and nearby areas, with flying squads shutting down ten ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants and collecting penalties totaling ₹84 lakh. The drive was conducted following directions from the Bombay High Court. Officials said the focus remained on RMC units and large construction projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which are major sources of dust pollution.

The campaign operated under the supervision of MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam and Member Secretary M. Devendra Singh (IAS). Over the past two days, inspection teams examined 44 RMC plants and construction sites across MMR. Several units were found violating environmental norms related to dust control and waste handling, prompting officials to issue closure orders or other directions depending on the severity of violations.

MPCB Action on RMC Plants and Air Pollution Control

Among the units ordered to shut down were Swaminarayan Lifespace in Dombivli and J.R.B. Infrastructure in Kalyan. Other affected RMC plants included Shri Ram Enterprises in Ambernath, Prism Johnson and L&T in Bhiwandi. Additional closures were reported at Krishna Constructions in Dahisar Mori, Prakash Engineers and A.P. Constructions in Turbhe, Gajanan Saidatt Associates in Virar, and R.D.S. Project in Worli.

Along with closures, MPCB issued proposed directions to 17 other RMC plants and interim directions to four. Officials also inspected 29 large ongoing construction projects, recommending proposed directions for five of them. These measures aim to enforce compliance with dust suppression rules, covering transport of materials and proper storage of cement and aggregates at busy urban sites.

MPCB Enforcement and Fines Since December

Since December, MPCB teams have inspected 240 RMC plants across MMR. During this wider drive, the board imposed penalties totaling ₹4.35 crore for non-compliance. Many units had reportedly ignored earlier warnings related to emissions and site housekeeping. Officials described the current closures and new directions as part of the ongoing enforcement effort.

In a related move, MPCB recovered a bank guarantee penalty of ₹84 lakh from 17 RMC plants, including nine in Kalyan, one in Navi Mumbai, and seven in Raigad. Officials said these actions are aimed at ensuring long-term compliance and accountability among concrete suppliers in the region.

Ongoing Campaign for Cleaner Air

M. Devendra Singh (IAS) has been reviewing air pollution control measures daily, according to MPCB. Officials stated that Singh assured the campaign for cleaner air in Mumbai and MMR would continue. The board's actions signal that RMC plants and construction projects violating environmental regulations will face strict scrutiny and financial penalties.