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In response to worsening air quality in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has prohibited the establishment of new ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants within municipal corporation limits in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Existing plants must implement dust control measures and meet compliance requirements within three months or face penalties. New RMC plants outside city limits are subject to stringent location and operational rules, including bank guarantees and air quality monitoring. The MPCB is collaborating with civic authorities to improve air quality across the region.
Amid worsening air quality in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has declared that no new ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants will be permitted within the municipal corporation limits of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Existing plants are now required to install anti-dust curtains at their entry and exit points and conduct water sprinkling on vehicle tyres. These measures must be implemented within the next three months. Advertisement
MPCB officials warned that non-compliance with the new regulations could result in the forfeiture of bank guarantee deposits or even the closure of the offending plants. The directives, issued by MPCB member secretary Avinash Dhakne, stipulate that new captive RMC plants located outside municipal corporation limits in MMR must be established on 10% of the total allotted land. These facilities must be fully enclosed, with tin or similar materials forming a box-like structure, within three months of their establishment. Additionally, operators are required to submit a compliance bank guarantee of INR 10 lakh.
The board noted that after achieving possession or completing 70% of their work, such plants must be either relocated or dismantled within a month. Dhakne emphasised that project proponents must adhere to other location-specific statutory requirements, including Development Control Rules, while obtaining MPCB's consent to establish their operations.
For new commercial RMC plants outside municipal limits, additional regulations apply. These facilities, which supply materials to other construction sites, must pay a bank guarantee of INR 25 lakh, maintain a buffer zone of 500 metres from populated areas with a minimum of 1,000 residents, and ensure a similar distance from national or state highways and major district roads. They are also prohibited from operating within 500 metres of schools, colleges, hospitals, and courts. Furthermore, a minimum land area of 4,000 square metres is required for such units.
All RMC plants must monitor ambient air quality at their site boundaries, ensuring particulate matter levels for PM10 and PM2.5 remain below 100 µg/m² and 60 µg/m², respectively. MPCB directed that monitoring systems be linked to its central monitoring station. The board also announced a ban on the expansion of existing commercial plants, stating that applications for expansion would be treated as proposals for new units.
The MPCB's stringent measures aim to address the rising air pollution in MMR by regulating the operations of RMC plants. These efforts include enforcing compliance through penalties and prioritising public health by mandating dust control and air quality monitoring. By working closely with local authorities, the board hopes to mitigate the environmental impact of construction activities. However, sustained enforcement and cooperation from plant operators will be critical in achieving long-term improvements in the region's air quality.
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