MPCB implements stricter guidelines for RMC Plants to combat air pollution

In response to increasing concerns over deteriorating air quality in Mumbai and its surrounding areas the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board MPCB has implemented stricter guidelines for Ready Mix Concrete RMC Plants in Mumbai to combat air pollutionThe Bombay High Court has registered a SuoMotu Public Interest Litigation The case was initiated following alarming articles published in local newspapers highlighting the issue The court has since directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board MPCB to implement robust measures to combat pollutionThe board acting on the directions of MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam and MPCB Member Secretary Dr Avinash Dhakne the board has issued new guidelines for Ready Mix Concrete RMC plants a significant source of urban air pollutionThe updated notification dated November 27 2024 introduces stricter siting criteria and pollution control measures specifically for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region MMR The previous notification from 2016 remains applicable to the rest of MaharashtraKadam emphasized the importance of collaborative action to address the cityrsquos air pollution ldquoUrbanization is progressing rapidly in Maharashtra with construction playing a significant role in this transformation ReadyMix Concrete RMC plants essential for construction activities are also a notable source of air pollution especially in urban areas We are working closely with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC and taking immediate actions against polluters to ensure satisfactory air quality in the regionrdquo he saidThe Maharashtra Pollution Control Board MPCB issued guidelines on November 7 2016 establishing siting criteria for RMC plants applicable across the state Recently a new notification dated November 27 2024 was released introducing updated guidelines specifically for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region while retaining the 2016 guidelines for the rest of MaharashtraThis initiative aims to reduce air pollution in Mumbai through proactive measures including consultations with the RMC industry and clear instructions for pollution mitigation Member Secretary Dr Avinash Dhakne played a key role in these efforts Regional and SubRegional Officers have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the 2024 notification and communicate it to all RMC plants and relevant associations within their jurisdictions for necessary complianceDhakne highlighted the boardrsquos proactive steps ldquoWe are issuing necessary instructions to construction and infrastructure stakeholders to reduce emissions and ensure compliance with air quality standardsrdquo he saidThe notification marks a significant step in balancing urban development with environmental sustainability The comprehensive measures aim to mitigate pollution caused by largescale construction activities and infrastructure projects in Mumbai setting a precedent for other metropolitan regionsThe guidelines are effective immediately with MPCB regional officers tasked with ensuring compliance across all jurisdictions The board has urged all stakeholders to cooperate in this critical initiative to protect public health and the environmentKey Measures for RMC PlantsCaptive PlantsNew plants require a minimum project area of 20000 square meters with 2000 square meters designated for the RMC plantExisting plants must be fully enclosed within three months of the notification and provide a Rs 10 lakh bank guarantee for compliancePlants must be dismantled within a month after 7037 of project completionCompliance with statutory locational rules is mandatoryCommercial PlantsNew plants within municipal areas require MPCB HQ committee approvalPlants outside urban areas must maintain a 500meter buffer from residential zones schools hospitals and major roadsExpansion of existing plants is prohibited and noncompliance will result in treating expansions as new unitsNew plants outside urban areas require a minimum land area of 4000 square metersPollution Control MeasuresRMC plants must adopt stringent air pollution control measures includingDust containment systems for all transfer points and storage silosEnclosure of conveyor belts and storage areas to prevent emissionsContinuous water sprinkling fogging systems and tree plantations for dust suppressionInstallation of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations CAAQMS for PM10 and PM25 integrated with MPCB serversMandatory vehicle cleaning and GPS tracking for transit vehiclesBank guarantees up to Rs 25 lakh to ensure complianceAmbient Air Quality StandardsPlants must monitor and maintain air quality within prescribed limitsPM10 Not to exceed 100 microgmsup3PM25 Not to exceed 60 microgmsup3 share a headline