RMC plant on Aarey Colony road damaging ecosystem: NGO

Watchdog Foundation, working in the field of environment and civic issues, has complained to the secretary of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) regarding the ready mix concrete (RMC) plant situated next to Reliance Energy receiving station at the junction of Aarey Milk Colony Road and Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road.

The NGO pointed out that air pollution caused by the plant was damaging the flora and fauna of the proposed eco sensitive zone (ESZ) around Sanjay Gandhi National Park as well as Aarey Milk Colony and also affecting the health of the residents staying around.

Godfrey Pimenta said that while they were not sure to whom the plant belonged, its current location, which is close to the proposed Aarey Metro Carshed, is yet to attract the attention of environmentalists.

“We were surprised how none of the environmentalists have raised their voice against the plant as of now. After noticing the toxic air it is producing every day into the ESZ and choking the green lungs of Mumbai, we wrote to MPCB about the issue,” said Mr Pimenta.

Watchdog Foundation, which has raised its voice against a similar plant in Malwani before, said that the cement accumulation in the vicinity was not only affecting the wildlife but also posing dangers to the health of the people around. “Serious health concerns have also been raised because the cement particles can damage the lungs. There are a large amount of residential colonies around the area,” added Mr Pimenta.

Amar Durgule, sub-divisional officer of MPCB was unavailable for comment.