Mumbai, Dec 4 (NationPress) In response to growing concerns over the escalating air pollution linked to a declining air quality index in Mumbai and throughout the state, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has enacted the closure of 19 Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) due to violations of air pollution regulations.

This initiative is part of a comprehensive effort to address the issue of non-compliant RMC facilities that have been exacerbating poor air quality.

The actions taken include issuing closure notices, confiscating bank guarantees, and collaborating with local authorities to halt operations.

The MPCB stated that these plants were shut down for not adhering to essential pollution-control measures, such as mandatory water-sprinkling systems, enclosed mixing processes, and the appropriate covering of transport vehicles.

This move aligns with the MPCB's strategy to enhance the air quality index in Mumbai, which has been increasingly impacted by pollutants from RMC plants, as highlighted in their statement.

Additionally, the MPCB has seized bank guarantees from several companies and instructed local civic bodies to shut down generators at illegal units.

The Board has introduced more stringent guidelines for all RMC plants statewide and is currently working to connect plant data with the state's urban development dashboard to foster transparency and compliance.

According to the state pollution control agency, this enforcement action resulted from a compliance survey that revealed numerous facilities operating without adequate dust control systems, emission management mechanisms, and necessary statutory permissions.

The MPCB is actively conducting physical inspections across the region, and strict enforcement will persist throughout the winter months.

Currently, the MPCB maintains 32 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) across the MMR, including locations like Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, and Panvel.

Of these, 14 stations are operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data from these stations is made publicly available on the Central Pollution Control Board's online dashboard and is disseminated through various media platforms, as stated by the board.

Furthermore, 22 mobile air quality monitoring vans have been deployed throughout Maharashtra to pinpoint pollution hotspots, transport corridors, and industrial zones, as noted by the MPCB.

These vehicles are also assessing emissions in areas densely populated with RMC units, and any violations will prompt stringent environmental responses.

Moreover, the MPCB has taken action against unauthorized metal furnaces located in Sanjay Gandhi Nagar and Sion.

These operations have been ordered to cease, and the BMC has been tasked with initiating dismantling procedures, according to the state pollution control agency.

The statement also mentioned that the Mumbai Port Trust authorities have been directed to implement preventive measures in the Wadala–Mahim zone after emissions were detected during monitoring efforts.

The MPCB has ramped up its pollution control initiatives and will persist with enforcement actions against non-compliant industries.

The statement concluded with confirmation that MPCB officials, including member secretary M.M. Devendra Singh, are personally conducting field inspections, urging industries to comply with regulatory standards.