Plan for 100 cement plants on Parsik hill to be probed
NatConnect Foundation approached Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and 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 the 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 create unsuitable conditions in a developing urban area.
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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 on over 260 hectares were previously halted following a National Green Tribunal ruling in September 2017 requiring environmental clearance.
Earlier attempts to resume quarrying operations were blocked by the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority, then led by former IAS officer Vijay Nahata, following environmental protests.
NatConnect expressed serious concerns about the RMC proposal, warning of potential air and noise pollution in the city. The forest department previously permitted use of 138.07 hectares in Parsik Hill for minor minerals extraction in 2006.
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