Aditya Thackeray directs MPCB to review environmental and pollution norms issued for Mahul

Maharashtra's Environment Minister, Aaditya Thackeray, in a recently held meeting, instructed the concerned companies and departments to balance the industry and the environment by following the instructions given by the National Green Tribunal for Pollution Control. These guidelines have been issued for the betterment of Mahul's environment

Present at the meeting along with Aditya Thackeray were MoS for Environment Sanjay Bansode, Member Secretary of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Shingar, members from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other representatives of various industries in Mahul area.

Addressing this issue, Aditya Thackeray said that in order to solve the problem of increasing pollution in Mahul, industries located in Mahul must strictly follow the instructions given by the National Green Tribunal. As per the issued guidelines, they need to meet the required criteria in terms of environmental protection in the next few days. Furthermore, instructions have been given by the National Green Tribunal to control and find solutions to managing Sewage and waste water-related issues, prepare a plan on creating green zones, derive measures to reduce air pollution, etc. Officials have asked these instructions to be implemented at the earliest possibility.

Talking about the same, Minister of State Sanjay Bansode said that through these measures, we will be able to control the pollution in Mahul. While the Industries are important,  protection of the environment has to remain a priority.

In a statement given to the Hindustan Times, Aaditya Thackeray stated that a few companies have not been adhering to the directives, and observing the same, the ministry has asked Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to look into the matter by reviewing it in a month.

Mahul is often referred to as the 'gas chamber' of Mumbai and with these guidelines, four companies in the locality have taken the steps by committing to control pollution. These changes have been made by the state government under the action plan drafted by the environment department.

Emissions from the factories and refineries on the industrial lands have been a topic of concern. The area has been known for industries and citizens, over the last few years, have often complained about the pollution leading to health hazards.