Bombay High Court Intervenes in RMC Plant Dispute Near Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Mumbai, Maharashtra: The Bombay High Court has taken up a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Thane residents against the setup of a ready-mix cement (RMC) plant for the Borivali-Thane twin tunnel project. Notices were issued to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). The petitioners demand the relocation of the plant, citing severe environmental and health risks.

The residents, including activist Rohit Manohar Joshi, claim the plant’s location in Kasarvadavali violates regulations that mandate a 500-meter buffer from schools and residential areas. They also argue it is situated in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), lacks mandatory ESZ permissions, and violates zoning laws in the Thane development plan.

Further, the MPCB’s reclassification of RMC plants from 'green' to 'orange' industry category necessitates fresh consent, which, according to the petitioners, has not been granted. Advocates representing the residents emphasized the plant’s potential impact on the health of over 8,000 residents and its threat to local ecology.

The High Court has directed authorities to respond within three weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for January 22. The case highlights the crucial need to adhere to environmental laws, such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and safeguard eco-sensitive zones while balancing developmental projects.