M-East ward moves to shut four illegal RMC plants in Govandi-Mankhurd
Following pollution complaints, four ready-mix concrete plants running without approvals in Govandi, Shivaji Nagar, Baiganwadi and Mankhurd face closure.
There is relief in sight for residents of north Indian and minority-dominated areas of Mumbai such as Govandi, Shivaji Nagar, Baiganwadi and Mankhurd. Citing pollution and worsening health, the M-East ward has begun strict action against four ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants operating in the area. It is claimed that all four plants will soon be shut down completely.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had already ordered Om Gehlot Operator, NCC Limited, Ramky Infrastructure Limited and a construction private limited company to shut these plants in December 2025. Despite this, the plants had been running illegally, flouting rules, for the past year. Local corporator and standing committee member Jameer Qureshi had raised the alarming AQI levels and their impact on residents' health before the municipal corporation, following which this action was taken.
Despite clear MPCB guidelines, the RMC plants were openly violating the rules. To prevent air pollution, plants are required to have box-type covers on all sides, sprinkler systems and facilities to wash vehicle tyres, but none of these were in place. Most seriously, despite a mandatory distance of at least 200 metres from schools, one plant was located just 187.3 metres away. A community hall used by children, women and elderly people was also just 50 metres away. Rules on storage of raw materials were also being violated. This negligence is not only breaking environmental rules but also endangering the lives of nearby residents through dust particles in the air. More than 500 people are suffering daily from illnesses such as tuberculosis, asthma and cancer.
The Deonar dumping ground and unchecked RMC plants are proving fatal for residents here. Hazardous cement dust and toxic particles are rapidly spreading diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma, cancer and eye irritation in the area. Conditions are so bad that more than 500 people are affected daily. Fine cement particles are damaging the respiratory tract, worsening the health of children, women and the elderly. Disregard for rules has created a situation like a health emergency, according to UMA secretary Dr Zahid Khan.
Given the deteriorating health of 66 people, the issue was raised before the municipal corporation. M-East corporators Navnath Ban, Bablu Panchal, Vitthal Lokhare and other AIMIM corporators also supported the demand. When notices to shut the companies were not issued, all of them decided to boycott the divisional committee meeting. Following this, the process to shut down these hazardous RMC plants has finally begun, according to AIMIM corporator Jameer Murtaza Qureshi.
