Navi Mumbai Protesters Block Alibag Road Over RCF Pollution Concerns
Navi Mumbai witnessed a large-scale protest on Wednesday as residents opposed to the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) project blocked the Alibag-Mandva road, disrupting local traffic for several hours. The demonstration, led by local community leaders, spotlighted long-standing grievances related to pollution, waste water discharge into the sea, and demands for employment opportunities for affected populations.
Residents, including fishermen whose livelihoods are directly impacted by the project, set ablaze vehicle tyres near the RCF-Thal unit in Alibag, drawing attention to the environmental hazards they say are threatening marine life and local ecosystems. Community members expressed frustration at the continued release of untreated or partially treated wastewater into the coastal waters, arguing that the practice undermines their income and poses public health risks.
Officials monitoring the situation noted that the protest remained largely peaceful, though road closures caused significant inconvenience to commuters and freight traffic along the Alibag-Mandva corridor. “The demonstrators have legitimate concerns about sustainable development, marine conservation, and job allocations for local residents. Authorities are engaging with community representatives to address the grievances while ensuring public safety and environmental compliance,” said an official overseeing the district administration’s response.
The protest underscores growing tensions between industrial expansion and ecological stewardship in rapidly urbanising regions like Navi Mumbai. Experts emphasise that balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility is critical, particularly in coastal zones that support traditional occupations such as fishing. The RCF project, while offering potential employment and economic benefits, must adhere to strict pollution control regulations to mitigate adverse impacts on nearby communities and ecosystems.
In response to the protest, environmental authorities are reviewing water discharge protocols and assessing compliance with state and central pollution control norms. Meanwhile, local administration officials are also exploring avenues for skill development and job creation for affected persons (PAPs), aiming to align industrial initiatives with sustainable and inclusive growth.Community leaders reiterated the importance of participatory decision-making, arguing that meaningful consultation with affected populations can prevent conflicts and ensure that industrial projects contribute positively to both local livelihoods and environmental conservation.
The Navi Mumbai protest serves as a reminder that eco-friendly urbanisation and equitable industrial planning are increasingly central to India’s broader sustainable development goals.The Alibag-Mandva road has since reopened, and negotiations between RCF representatives, environmental regulators, and community leaders are ongoing to address both ecological and employment concerns, with officials expressing optimism for a resolution that balances industrial progress with environmental stewardship.
