MPCB Imposes Ban on New RMC Plants in Mumbai Due to Rising Pollution

Mumbai - In light of the increasing air pollution in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has imposed a ban on the establishment of new Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants within the limits of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) municipal corporation area. Additionally, existing plants have been directed to implement dust control measures within the next three months. These measures include installing curtains at the entrance and exit gates and spraying water on vehicle tires. Failure to comply with these rules could result in the seizure of the bank guarantee or even the closure of the plant.

For new captive RMC plants outside municipal areas, MPCB has implemented strict regulations. These plants must create a box-like structure using tin or similar material on 10% of their allocated land. Additionally, a bank guarantee of ₹10 lakh is mandatory, and this structure must be removed once 70% of the construction is completed.

Commercial RMC plants face even stricter guidelines. They must maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from residential areas, highways, schools, hospitals, and courts. These plants must have a land area of at least 4,000 square meters and provide a ₹25 lakh bank guarantee. Moreover, all RMC units must monitor air quality and ensure that the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 do not exceed 100µg/m³ and 60µg/m³, respectively. These air quality monitors must be linked to the MPCB’s central monitoring system.

MPCB has also imposed a ban on the expansion of existing plants. Any such expansion will be treated as a new proposal.

MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam stated that the board is working in collaboration with civic authorities to control pollution. On Friday, Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 128, which is categorized as 'Moderate', highlighting the urgency of these measures.