The residents of Govandi continued to push back against the Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants in the M East ward, across Deonar, Shivaji Nagar, Baiganwadi, and Mankhurd, as Mumbai ranked fifth among the most polluted cities globally in the IQAir rankings. Locals alleged that the plants are still making the air in the locality hazardous, and sent a “show cause cum stop work notice” against the plants in October.
Reading into readings
The notice states that the M East ward is one of the most vulnerable areas in the city, with nearly 70 per cent slum population. It also points to the vicinity of the Deonar Dumping Ground, animal incinerator, and waste incinerator present in the locality. The residents highlighted how Mumbai had beaten Delhi’s poor AQI record, with Deonar-specific AQI readings being the worst in the city.
‘Need prompt action’
Residents have demanded prompt sealing of all RMC plants in and around Govandi, along with an independent audit of the emissions. They have also called for action against officials who have allegedly allowed the pollution to go unchecked.
CMO in the loop
Residents informed that their letter has been sent to the CM’s office, with the query now being forwarded to the Environment and Climate Change Depar-tment. mid-day reached out to M East ward officials, but received no response.
Activist Speak
Adv Faiyaz Alam Shaikh, founder of Govandi Citizens Welfare Forum
‘Last December, MPCB (Maharashtra Pollution Control Board) had ordered 19 polluting RMC plants to be shut down to curb air pollution, of which four were in Govandi. The city is already suffering from the October heat, and the air quality remains poor, which is why we have demanded the full closure of these plants that are choking local residents. These plants can lead to long-term respiratory problems’
