Mumbai Air Pollution Escalates MPCB Shuts Four Ready-Mix Concrete Plants Immediately
Mumbai authorities have intensified efforts to tackle rising air pollution by shutting down four ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants and penalising 37 others, recovering Rs 1.87 crore in fines. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has deployed specialised inspection teams across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to ensure strict compliance with environmental norms. The move comes amid growing concerns over construction-related emissions and ongoing judicial scrutiny of civic authorities for approving projects without adequate pollution safeguards.
The action follows a review meeting chaired by MPCB chairman Siddhesh Kadam, during which enforcement strategies against non-compliant RMC plants were discussed. “Special flying squads will immediately verify adherence to prescribed environmental conditions, and strict action, including plant closures, will be taken against violators,” said M Devender Singh, member secretary of MPCB. The initiative reflects the board’s commitment to enforcing air quality standards amid rapid urban development.Construction projects, particularly large-scale infrastructure works, contribute significantly to particulate pollution in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently suspended activities on the Bullet Train project in the Bandra-Kurla Complex after detecting violations of anti-pollution norms. Regulatory authorities argue that such interventions are essential to protect public health and prevent long-term environmental degradation, while also sending a clear signal to developers about compliance obligations.
So far, the MPCB’s inspections have led to monetary penalties of Rs 1.87 crore and the closure of four RMC facilities. Kadam highlighted the board’s collaborative approach with municipal authorities, stating that “appropriate steps will be taken to safeguard air quality, and stringent measures will be implemented wherever required.” Daily monitoring and rapid response squads ensure that any spike in particulate matter is addressed promptly, helping mitigate pollution before it reaches hazardous levels.The Mumbai Metropolitan Region operates 32 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations, 14 within the city, supported by 22 mobile monitoring vans for immediate deployment to pollution hotspots. Such monitoring provides critical data for regulatory interventions and urban planning decisions aimed at reducing emissions from construction and industrial activity.The Bombay High Court has also expressed concern over unchecked construction approvals, criticising the BMC for allowing over 125 projects exceeding Rs 1,000 crore without adequate pollution safeguards. The court warned that continued negligence could result in restrictions on further project sanctions.
As Mumbai grapples with balancing infrastructure growth and environmental health, regulators are signalling a more stringent enforcement era. Industry experts suggest that improved compliance among RMC plants, combined with cleaner construction practices, is essential for sustainable urban development and healthier living conditions in the city.
