Mumbai: Activist cries foul against RMC plant in Orlem

The plant in Orlem, Malad

City-based activist Godfrey Pimenta has written a letter to the government expressing grave concern and dissatisfaction regarding the serious violations of environmental norms by the Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plant located at Valnai, Orlem, Malad West, Mumbai. In his letter, he has stated that the RMC Plant is not adhering to the guidelines prescribed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), which is causing significant harm to the local environment and community.

The activist has written the letter to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Principal Secretary of the Environment Department alleging that the RMC plant at Orlem is violating conditions of CTO and the activist has demanded revocation of said permission.

The activist has thanked Sanjay Bhosale, Regional Officer and Achyut Nandavate, Sub Regional Officer, Mumbai IV of MPCB, for giving their valuable time and patiently listening to the genuine and bonafide grievances of the locals, who have been facing air pollution related issued due to the operation of the RMC Plant at Orlem, Mumbai.

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The activist alleged that the RMC Plant has been erected on land that is reserved for a proposed playground as per the Sanctioned Development Plan of Mumbai 2034. "This blatant disregard for land use regulations is unacceptable and detrimental to the planned development of the area. Furthermore, the RMC Plant was initially intended for the construction of a Slum Rehabilitation Scheme, with the stipulation that the produced ready mix concrete would be solely for captive consumption within the scheme. However, it has come to light that the operator, Yukti Infraprojects LLP, is supplying the ready-mix concrete for commercial purposes outside the approved area of the scheme. This breach not only violates the terms of operation but also contributes to unauthorised construction practices," Pimenta said .

The activist also claims that the consent to operate issued to the RMC Plant outlined specific conditions that were meant to mitigate the impact on the environment. "These conditions, including the height of barricades, water sprinkling and chemical stabilising systems, and the provision of foliage to cover the area, have been blatantly ignored."

This disregard for stipulated measures demonstrates a lack of commitment to environmental protection. Additionally, the RMC trucks leaving the site are causing damage to the roads due to the absence of a two-level tyre washing facility. Moreover, the RMC Plant's operation extends beyond the permissible hours of 6 am to 6 pm," the letter stated. "MPCB should conducts a thorough investigation into the matter and ensures that the appropriate measures are taken to rectify the situation," the letter states.