Pune : Nine RMC Plants Operate Despite Closure Notice from MPCB 

In defiance of closure notices issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), nine ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants persist in operation, exacerbating air quality concerns and flouting pollution control regulations. Despite the Board’s plea to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for power disconnection, these plants continue to function unabated, officials revealed.

The MPCB launched a district-wide crackdown on RMC and stone-crushing plants (SCP) in March, inspecting a total of 34 units (comprising 18 SCP and 16 RMC). Among these, nine RMC plants located in Tathawade, Marunji, and Nande areas received closure notices between March 7 and 13 for purported violations of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, and the EP Act of 1986.

A senior MPCB official remarked, “Numerous citizen complaints have come to our attention, prompting our action. Despite our pleas, the MSEDCL has not disconnected the power supply to these plants, despite requests made on March 3 and 13. Additionally, we have urged the local Gram Panchayat to cut off water supply to these non-compliant facilities.”

Ravindra Andhale, regional officer of MPCB, emphasized the necessity of collaboration between various authorities to combat pollution effectively. “These inspections were initiated in response to citizen complaints, and subsequent action was taken due to blatant violations by these plants. It is imperative for other governmental bodies and local administrations to cooperate with us in our pollution control endeavors,” he stated.

In response to the MPCB’s directives, an MSEDCL spokesperson assured, “We have received the MPCB’s directive to cut off power supply to these RMC plants. Steps are being taken to adhere to this directive, and the power supply to these facilities will be disconnected promptly.”