MPCB Warns MEIL Over Pollution At Thane Tunnel Project

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a warning notice to Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) over complaints of noise pollution from the ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant set up for the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project.

The notice was issued on July 3 by the MPCB's Thane office, stating that the board had received complaints regarding noise pollution caused by the operation of the RMC plant, movement of vehicles, and alleged night-time operations beyond the permissible hours.

The MPCB directed MEIL to comply with the consent conditions and not to cause any sort of water, air, and noise pollution in the surrounding area due to the operation of the RMC plant. The company was also asked to submit a compliance report within seven days, failing which legal action may be initiated.

The warning notice was submitted to the Bombay High Court during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by residents and environmental activists seeking relocation of the RMC plant, casting yard, and labour camp. The PIL was filed by environmental activists Rohit Joshi and Prashant Mahadik, along with nine residents of Haware Citi township in Kasarvadavali.

The MPCB also placed before the court an inspection report prepared following a joint site visit on June 25. According to the report, both RMC plants were operational during the inspection, and the project proponent had installed three fogger systems to suppress dust.

However, the inspection team recommended additional measures, including reducing the height of the entry and exit points, installing sprinklers at those locations, covering open areas with metal sheets wherever required, and using tarpaulin sheets to seal gaps to further control dust emissions.

The report also referred to a complaint based on a video allegedly showing dust escaping through the plant's roof. The company told the inspection team that the roof sheets had been temporarily removed for installation of an ice plant and were restored within 48 hours after residents raised objections.

The hearing was adjourned for two weeks after counsel appearing for MEIL was unavailable. The PIL seeks relocation of the RMC plant, casting yard, and labour camp, alleging that they are causing pollution and health hazards.

The Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project is a significant infrastructure development in the region, aiming to improve connectivity between Thane and Borivali. However, the project has been facing opposition from local residents and environmental activists due to concerns over pollution and health hazards.

The MPCB's warning notice to MEIL is a significant step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that the company complies with environmental regulations. The outcome of the PIL and the measures taken by MEIL to address pollution concerns will be closely watched by local residents and environmental activists.

The issue highlights the need for a balance between infrastructure development and environmental protection. As Mumbai and its surrounding areas continue to grow and develop, it is essential to ensure that such growth is sustainable and does not come at the cost of the environment and public health.

In conclusion, the MPCB's warning notice to MEIL is an important step towards addressing pollution concerns at the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental protection and the need for companies to comply with regulations to minimize their impact on the environment and public health.