The Hingna MIDC Industrial Area is today gasping under a cloud of cement dust. Unchecked and poorly regulated Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants have turned a notified industrial estate into a pollution hotspot, pushing compliant industries and thousands of workers to the brink. The increasing demand for infrastructure development in India has led to a rise in the number of construction projects, which in turn has boosted the growth of Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants.

 

Elaborating on the matter, P Mohan, President, MIDC Industries Association (MIA), said, “There is no dispute that RMC plants are essential for infrastructure growth. However, unplanned clustering of such units inside a dense industrial area has crossed all acceptable limits. Every day, thick layers of cement dust and fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) settle on factory roofs, machinery and finished goods. Production lines are disrupted, machines fail prematurely, costs rise and product quality suffers. Industries that follow the law are being punished, while violators continue unchecked.” More disturbing is the silent health emergency unfolding inside Hingna MIDC. Continuous exposure to cement dust is causing respiratory ailments, eye irritation and chronic health issues among industrial workers. Absenteeism is increasing, productivity is falling and worker morale is eroding. This is not just an industrial issue - it is a human issue, P Mohan added.

 

Water and soil pollution further expose the gravity of the situation. Cement slurry and wash water from transit mixers are often dumped into open drains, where they harden, choke storm water lines and damage underground infrastructure. What makes the situation even more unacceptable is that all necessary rules already exist. The National Green Tribunal and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board have laid down clear norms for dust control, enclosed batching plants, covered conveyors, air quality monitoring and zero discharge of wastewater. Yet, weak enforcement and regulatory indifference have allowed non-compliant RMC plants to operate openly. As per the new directives from MPCB, no new RMC plants will be allowed to set up within municipal corporation limits in MMR. Existing plants must ensure the installation of anti-dust curtains at entry and exit gates and undertake water sprinkling on vehicle tires to reduce dust pollution. Plants failing to comply with these rules will face severe consequences, including the seizure of bank guarantee deposits and possible closure.