Andheri residents, activists say norms being blatantly flouted with ready mix cement units being set up in densely populated areas
The Ready Mixture Concrete that has come up in Andheri East. Pic/Nimesh Dave
As Mumbai gasps for clean air, activists allege that the new Ready Mixture Concrete (RMC) plant being quietly readied in Andheri East is sparking fresh fears of dust and health distress for residents. Activists and air-quality experts warn that setting up an RMC plant right next to a residential pocket can pose serious health risks.
Residents of Andheri East, especially those in JB Nagar and Chakala, are raising an alarm over nearly five new RMC plants reportedly being set up near Sahar, close to the airport. Locals fear the units will unleash dangerous levels of dust and air pollution. Activists Godfrey Pimenta and Nicholas Almeida from the Watchdog Foundation have already complained about the same to the K East ward of the BMC, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
“The K East ward is already battling awful air quality, thanks to nonstop construction, and now we’ve learnt that airport authorities have set up an RMC plant opposite the Sahar Metro Aqua Line 3 station,” said Pimenta. “This goes against the norms, as the plant is barely metres away from the thickly populated Sahar village.” mid-day visited the Andheri East site on Friday.
Local resident and activist Nicolas Almeida said, “We’ve learnt that nearly five RMC plants are coming up here, reportedly to supply concrete for airport works. Setting up an RMC plant so close to homes is dangerous for everyone — especially kids and senior citizens. We hope the BMC and MPCB step in and take action.
5
No. of RMC plants allegedly being set up in Andheri East
Cause for concern
Dr Lancelot Pinto, consultant pulmonologist and epidemiologist, said that RMC plants can be a significant contributor to particulate matter (both PM2.5 and PM10) in the air.
“This can occur through multiple ways: dispersion of cement during loading and unloading, dispersion during transport (especially on unpaved roads), from storage silos, and during the handling of sand and gravel. Fumes from diesel, if used as a fuel for the mixers and loaders, can also contribute to volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the air. These pollutants can be controlled to a great extent if protective measures are installed on site and during transport,” said Dr Pinto.
Impact on health
“Larger particles can cause irritation of the large airways of the lungs, causing a cough, wheezing, and breathlessness. Smaller particles (PM 2.5 and smaller) can cross over into the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular effects such as high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, and even poor control of blood sugar levels. Besides these, watering of eyes, runny nose, allergic conjunctivitis, and rhinitis have all been associated with particulate pollution,” said Dr Lancelot Pinto.
High concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 pose serious health threats, especially to vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Long-term exposure increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
What are PM pollutants
Fine particles like PM2.5 and PM10 are the main pollutants affecting Mumbai’s air. These tiny dust and soot particles come from everyday sources — vehicles, construction, and burning.
PM2.5 comprises significantly smaller particles that can bypass the body’s natural defences. They are small enough to pass from the lungs into the bloodstream. They can then travel to the heart, brain, and other organs, increasing the risk of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. PM10 comprises coarse dust particles from construction sites, roads, and general industrial grit. These are 10 micrometres or smaller — small enough to breathe in. They get stuck in the lungs and airways, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and make conditions like asthma much worse.
Impact of shutting plant
Infrastructure and redevelopment expert Ratnnakar Ahire said, “If RMC plants shut down, the hit will be felt both financially and on the ground. Delays mean labour costs go up, cash flow slows, and some projects could even attract penalty clauses. Concrete prices are likely to rise too, simply because supply tightens. Builders who depend on on-site RMC units will have to spend a lot more on dust control and meeting compliance norms. On the operational side, the break in concrete supply throws schedules off, longer transport distances can affect mix quality, and some developers may end up using uneven on-site mixes. Plus, there’s the added load of paperwork, inspections and site tweaks. All of this will only push project costs further up.”
Impact on AQI
Founder and CEO of Waatavaran, Bhagwan Kesbhat, said, “If these new RMC plants start operating without strict dust control measures, Andheri East’s air quality will worsen sharply. RMC units are major sources of PM2.5 and PM10, and in an area already choking with traffic and construction pollution, even a small increase can push AQI into the ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ range.”
What authorities say
When contacted, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport authorities were unavailable for comment. However, sources at the airport said that the all protocols to prevent any kind of dust or air pollution are being followed.
What is RMC
RMC is a pre-made wet concrete made at a factory and transported to the construction site in RMC drum-rotating vehicles
What is an RMC plant
Site where pre-wet concrete is prepared by mixing cement, stones and sand.
Benefit to builders
Saves time and labour costs. Helps in speedier construction activity.
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