‘My mother died gasping for breath’: Residents demand action on Taloja pollution

Industrial units in the Taloja MIDC are causing severe pollution in the surrounding areas. PICS/ABHITASH SINGH

Every night, residents across Kharghar, Roadpali, Kalamboli, and Taloja say they brace themselves for another wave of toxic air. Some say the chemical fumes become so intense during the early morning hours that stepping out feels impossible.

Among the loudest voices fighting the issue is Deepak Singh, a Kharghar-based social activist who says the battle against industrial pollution became deeply personal after losing his mother to asthma complications. "Pollution in Kharghar, Taloja, and Roadpali from the Taloja industrial area has existed for many years, but hardly anyone could stand against these industries emitting harmful chemicals and gases," Singh told mid-day. "This is slow poison. Thousands of people are inhaling toxic air every day without realising how dangerous it is. Slowly, it is killing people staying in these areas."

Residents are demanding continuous monitoring of toxic gases, public access to pollution data, stricter action against repeat violators, and relocation of highly polluting industries from the Taloja belt.

Residents' demands

>> Continuous monitoring of toxic gases and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
>> Public access to pollution data
>> Strict action against repeat violators
>> Health audit in affected areas
>> Relocation of major polluting industries
>> Review of residential projects near MIDC belt

Housing projects questioned

Local residents started protesting against pollution in December 2023

Activists raised concerns over large-scale residential projects coming up close to industrial zones. "It is the failure of authorities that permissions are being granted. Even PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) projects are being constructed close to these factories. If people living in Kharghar and Roadpali cannot breathe peacefully, how will families survive right next to these industries?" Singh questioned.

Fresh air a privilege

Residents allege that industries inside Taloja MIDC, which houses more than 3000 industrial units, release strong chemical emissions, especially during late night and pre-dawn hours. Many claim they can no longer keep their windows open. "There is not a moment when we cannot smell the gases in the air. Our windows cannot be opened… the air is unbreathable," said a resident from Kharghar who was part of a public complaint submitted to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).

Protest forced action

According to Deepak Singh, public anger exploded in December 2023. On December 3 - the anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy - thousands of residents gathered to protest against pollution from Taloja MIDC. "It was symbolic because people here feel they are living through a slow gas tragedy every day," Singh said, adding that after the agitation, MPCB and other authorities started acting, and several industrial units received notices. Local MLA Prashant Thakur also joined the agitation.

AQI over 300

Several pockets in the Kharghar-Taloja-Panvel belt have recorded AQI levels above 300 Environmental studies have shown PM2.5 levels above safety standards several times in the region. However, residents argue that particulate matter is only part of the problem.

"This is chemical air pollution. Toxic industrial fumes often get trapped between the hills surrounding Kharghar and Taloja, worsening conditions during the night. Authorities should compare chemical composition of air here with Delhi's pollution data to know how dangerous this is," said Binu Thankappan, a Kharghar resident.

Only temporary action

Residents allege that the action after the 2023 agitation was only temporary. "Whenever strict monitoring starts, industries suddenly begin following pollution guidelines. Once public attention reduces, the same emissions begin again," Singh alleged.

Local Speak

Swamee Shetty, Taloja resident
‘Mornings have become the worst part of the day. I wake up hoping for fresh air, but instead, a toxic smell enters the house. We immediately shut the windows. Clean air feels impossible even in my 10th floor apartment.'

Fatma Bharde, journalist from Taloja
‘Residents are forced to shut windows, avoid stepping out, and send children to school breathing polluted air during early morning hours. This is not an inconvenience… it is environmental negligence affecting human lives, while authorities continue to underplay the gravity of this ongoing crisis.'