Mumbai News: National Green Tribunal Orders Closure Of Casting Yards, Concrete Plant Near Sanjay Gandhi Park
Mumbai: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated the closure of two casting yards and a ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant located in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) on Ghodbunder Road in Thane. The order was a result of a petition filed by the NGO Vanashakti, which argued that operations by J Kumar Infraprojects were causing ecological damage. The firm provides concrete supplies for substantial infrastructure projects, including Metro tunneling.
Environmental advocate D Stalin of Vanashakti expressed satisfaction with the NGT's decision, highlighting negligence by state agencies in protecting the forest from industrial pollution. Responding to concerns about potential delays in Metro projects, he assured that the firm can operate from alternative locations in Thane, as the ESZ notification from 2016 made it clear that polluting industries are prohibited in these areas.
Stalin raised questions regarding the legality of leasing tribal land for polluting industries within the ESZ, criticizing the monitoring committee for inaction despite the ongoing degradation. The Pune bench of the NGT also ruled against J Kumar Infraprojects, asserting that the RMC plant was operating without necessary permissions and was adversely impacting the ecology of nearby villages, Chene and Bhayander Pada.
The petition conveyed that illegal clearing of topsoil and dumping of cement sludge occurred at the site, with dust and pollution threatening the local flora and fauna. The transportation of materials exacerbated the situation, contributing further to environmental distress. Vanashakti noted that attempts to obtain operational permits and inspection reports from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) were unsuccessful, with the MPCB claiming no records existed.
Counter affidavits from the chief conservator of forests and SGNP officials confirmed that the RMC plant was indeed situated within the ESZ, with the monitoring committee communicating with J Kumar Infraprojects regarding their compliance with environmental regulations. The NGT currently has an interim order halting operations of the RMC plant while deliberating the alleged violations.
J Kumar Infraprojects has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding this ruling. The tribunal's future rulings will further address the legality and implications of the plant's operations under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
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