December 30, 2025: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has ordered the closure of a ready mix concrete (RMC) plant operating at the Mandale Metro project site in Mankhurd after finding multiple violations of air pollution control norms. The facility supplies concrete to the Metro Bhavan complex, which functions as a key operations hub for the Mumbai Metro network. The regulator found that the plant was not complying with mandatory measures related to dust control, vehicle washing and site covering.
According to officials, the inspection revealed inadequate dust suppression systems, failure to wash vehicle tyres before exit, and the absence of proper covering at the site, all of which are essential to prevent the spread of particulate matter. The action reflects the MPCB’s continued emphasis on enforcing environmental standards at construction and infrastructure project sites across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
This is not the first instance of such enforcement. Earlier, the MPCB had issued a stop-work notice to another RMC plant operated by J Kumar Infraprojects at the Metro Line 2B construction site in the Bandra Kurla Complex, citing similar non-compliance with pollution control conditions. Officials reiterated that RMC plants are required to follow strict guidelines, including controlled storage of materials, functional dust suppression systems, proper washing of vehicle tyres, and adherence to prescribed operational limits. Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties, suspension of operations or complete closure.
To strengthen monitoring, the MPCB has deployed four inspection teams across Mumbai and two in Navi Mumbai to conduct regular checks on RMC plants. Recent inspections found 37 RMC plants violating environmental norms, leading to closure or action notices and penalties amounting to ₹1.87 crore. Officials said these steps form part of a wider strategy to address deteriorating air quality, particularly around large-scale infrastructure projects.
Authorities noted that emissions and dust from construction activities remain a major source of urban pollution, prompting intensified oversight in recent months. Courts have also stepped in, issuing summons to civic and pollution control officials over lapses at several sites, including RMC plants near metro corridors and other construction zones.
The MPCB has urged contractors to upgrade pollution control systems or relocate plants where necessary. The stricter enforcement is aligned with broader regional efforts to curb construction-related pollution, underscoring the obligation of infrastructure developers to comply with environmental norms and protect public health.
Source: Prop News Time
