Residents of Haware Citi in Thane, Maharashtra, comprising over 7,000 residents across 28 towers, are opposing the construction of two ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants just 300 metres away. These plants, built by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd. for a tunnel project, have sparked concerns over dust pollution, air quality, and noise, particularly impacting nearby schools and the sensitive Sanjay Gandhi National Park ecosystem. Despite Maharashtra Pollution Control Board approvals, residents, backed by housing societies, are demanding the Thane Municipal Corporation relocate the plants, citing health risks and environmental damage. A planned protest underscores their determination to safeguard community well-being amidst infrastructure development.
Residents of Haware Citi, a large housing complex in Thane, Maharashtra, are up in arms against the construction of two ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants just 300 metres from their homes. The plants, built by Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd., are meant to supply concrete for a 6.09 km twin-tube road tunnel project between Thane and Borivali.
The proximity of the RMC plants to Haware Citi, a complex housing over 7,000 residents across 28 towers, has sparked outrage. Residents fear the plants will cause dust pollution, air pollution, and noise, impacting their health and well-being. Schools located within the complex add another layer of concern.
The location is also a cause for worry due to its proximity to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), a vital habitat for various wildlife species. Residents are concerned about the impact of construction and potential pollution on the park's delicate ecosystem. The Kasarwadavli waterfall stream, located about 200 metres from the construction site, has already been affected, with residents reporting that construction activities have blocked the natural flow of water.
The Haware Citi Co-op Housing Federation, along with over 10 other housing societies in the vicinity, have written to the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) demanding the relocation of the RMC plants. They have collected around 300 signatures in support of their cause and are planning a protest and awareness drive on Sunday.
While the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has given permission to establish the plants, stating they are outside the protected eco-sensitive zone, residents remain sceptical. They believe the potential health risks and environmental damage outweigh any benefits from the project's location.
In May, Megha Engineering contacted the Haware society for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from TMC. However, the society refused to grant the NOC until they received proof of all necessary clearances, including project plans, sanction letters, and environmental approvals.
The residents of Haware Citi are determined to protect their health and the surrounding environment. Their planned protest and awareness drive aim to garner public support and pressure authorities to consider relocating the RMC plants. This situation highlights the delicate balance between infrastructure development and protecting public health and the environment.
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