Plan for 100 cement plants on Parsik Hill to be examined by forest department, ETInfra
The Union Forest Protection Division (FPD) has directed the state forest department to investigate environmentalists' objections over proposals for approximately 100 ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants at former quarry locations in Parsik Hill, Navi Mumbai. NatConnect Foundation approached the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging rejection of these proposals and cessation of forest area violations According to NatConnect director B N Kumar , Navi Mumbai's expansion, particularly around Parsik Hill's former MIDC industrial zones, is transforming into substantial residential and commercial developments, including tall buildings and IT facilities. The city's Air Quality Index already exceeds WHO standards, and Kumar emphasised that establishing ready-mix cement plants would worsen conditions in this urbanising area.The FPD instructed the principal chief conservator of forests to evaluate the situation and implement appropriate measures according to current regulations, requesting prompt communication of action taken. Quarrying activities over more than 260 hectares were earlier halted following a National Green Tribunal ruling in September 2017 requiring environmental clearance . Previous attempts to resume quarrying were blocked by the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority after protests from environmental groups.NatConnect has expressed serious concerns over the RMC proposals, warning of potential air and noise pollution. The forest department had earlier permitted use of 138.07 hectares in Parsik Hill for minor minerals extraction in 2006.
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