Bombay HC Seeks MPCB's Response On PIL To Relocate RMC Plant Near Thane-Borivali Tunnel Project

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the relocation of a Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant, casting yard, and labor camp established for the Twin Tube Tunnel Project between Thane and Borivali.

The PIL was filed by environmental activists Rohit Joshi and Prashant Mahadik, along with nine residents of the Haware Citi township in Kasarvadavali, Thane, which is in the vicinity of the RMC plant.

The petitioners challenge the establishment of these facilities by Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd, the private agency contracted by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the tunnel project.

Their advocate Ronita Bhattacharya argued that the facilities are situated immediately adjacent to their residential township on land designated for residential and recreational purposes in Thane’s Development Plan. Additionally, the site falls within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).

In March 2024, the petitioners observed the commencement of work for setting up the RMC plant and soon experienced adverse effects from air pollution caused by the construction activities. They allege that in February 2024, land adjacent to their township was leveled, and dense green cover, including large trees, was illegally felled without requisite permissions.

On October 8, 2024, the MPCB issued a circular reclassifying RMC plants from the “green category” to the “orange category” industries, necessitating revised consents. Despite this, the Consent to Establish for the RMC plant was granted on May 17, 2024, prior to the reclassification.

An RTI response received by petitioners on October 18, 2024, included a letter from the Thane Municipal Corporation dated July 5, 2024, confirming that portions of the RMC plant fall within the ESZ of SGNP. The letter also noted the presence of a natural stream at the site, indicating that a No Objection Certificate from the “Nallah Department” would be required.

Bhattacharya submitted that allowing the RMC plant, casting yard, and labor camp to operate at the current site poses significant health risks to residents and threatens the ecology of SGNP.

The plea urged the HC to quash the Consent to Establish granted to Megha Engineering and restrain the MPCB from issuing further consents for these facilities. Additionally, the plea seeks that the authorities be directed to relocate the RMC plant, casting yard, and labor camp to a suitable alternative location away from the immediate proximity of the Haware Citi township.

The Twin Tube Tunnel Project is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at constructing a three-lane highway in each direction between Thane and Borivali, passing beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The project, valued at approximately Rs 16,577 crore, is expected to reduce the travel distance between Thane and Borivali by 12 kilometers.

Residents of Haware Citi have previously protested against the establishment of the RMC plant near their homes, citing concerns over air pollution, health hazards, and environmental degradation. The HC has kept the matter for further hearing on January 22.