Mumbai: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued new guidelines to regulate ready-mixed concrete (RMC) plants in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to combat the deteriorating air quality of the city. The decision follows a suo moto public interest litigation (PIL) registered by the Bombay High Court over deteriorating air quality based on media reports.

The new guidelines, notified on November 27, 2024, are specific to the MMR region, while the earlier norms issued in November 2016 will continue to apply to the rest of Maharashtra. This initiative was spearheaded by MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam with the active support of Member Secretary Dr Avinash Dhakne who highlighted the need for urgent measures.

“In order to control air pollution which is increasing due to development works, number of vehicles and changes in atmosphere in Mumbai city, we are issuing appropriate directions and taking measures to control air pollution. the air by coordinating with the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and taking immediate action against polluters. Efforts will be made to maintain satisfactory air quality,” Kadam said.

RMC factories, an integral part of urbanization, have been identified as contributing significantly to air pollution due to dust emissions during their operation. To address this issue, the guidelines lay down strict siting criteria and pollution control measures for captive and commercial RMC plants.

Key provisions:

For captive plants, new establishments require a project area of ​​at least 20,000 square meters, of which 2,000 square meters are reserved for the plant. Existing factories must completely close their operations within three months and provide a bank guarantee of Rs 10 lakh to ensure compliance. These plants must also be dismantled within one month after the completion of 70% of the project works.

For commercial factories, new units in municipal areas require MPCB approval, while those outside must maintain a buffer zone of 500 meters from human habitation, schools, hospitals and main roads. Existing commercial factories must also completely close their operations within three months and submit a bank guarantee of Rs 25 lakh.

Pollution control measures:

Mandatory steps include covering all transfer points, watering, planting trees and installing dust containment systems. Factories must monitor ambient air quality for particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and ensure emissions remain below prescribed limits. Measures such as automated tire washing and GPS tracking of vehicles carrying RMC are also necessary.

“We are issuing necessary instructions to establishments to reduce air pollution caused by large-scale constructions, infrastructure works and ready-mix plants,” added Dr Dhakne.

The MPCB has asked its regional officers to ensure implementation of the guidelines and take strict action against non-compliance to improve air quality in and around Mumbai.