Thane: 'Relocate cement plant near homes or we'll move NGT'

Residents near Thane's Ghodbunder road await cement plant relocation to prevent water table depletion risks. Environmental concerns prompt agency relocation instructions for plant near residential areas.

THANE: Activists have threatened to approach National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) if the ready-mix cement plant installed in close proximity to a residential complex and within the eco-sensitive zone of Owale village along Thane's Ghodbunder road is not dismantled and relocated within 15 days. The plant has been set up for the construction of the Thane-Borivli tunnel project. Rohit Joshi of Wetland and Mangroves Conservation Co-mmittee visited the site on Sunday morning and interacted with the residents of Haware city project, following their awareness rally on the potential hazards of the ready-mix cement plant. He assured them that he would question the authorities regarding approval of the plant considering its potential threat to human health and the ecosystem. "The plant is situated within the eco-sensitive zone Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Any activity that leads to air, water, or soil pollution is prohibited in such zones, which raises concerns about this ready-mix cement plant as it could impact the ecology and deplete the underground water table, as such activities require a significant amount of water. If the machinery is not removed within two weeks, we will approach NGT to shut down the plant," Joshi said. Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik, who represents the Ovala-Majiwada constituency, visited the site later and gave an assurance that the plant would be relocated. "The plant is essential for the completion of the tunnel project, but it cannot be installed near residential colonies and in eco-sensitive zones. I have instructed the agency to relocate the plant and ensure that it does not adversely impact residents or the environment," he promised. Dr Shradha Raorane, a resident, told TOI: "We have been assured by the MLA that the plant will be relocated at the earliest...It has not been operational for the last one week; we'll wait for a few days. If the authorities do not dismantle it, we will move court."