Tunnel Trouble: MPCB Warns MEIL Over Pollution Complaints

Regulators have ordered immediate environmental compliance at a key project site following community outcry over noise and dust emissions.

THANE — The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a formal warning notice to Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) regarding environmental violations at its Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plant. The facility, which supports the ambitious Thane–Borivali twin tunnel project, has come under intense scrutiny following persistent complaints from residents of the nearby Haware City township.

The regulatory action, disclosed to the Bombay High Court on July 9, 2026, highlights growing friction between large-scale infrastructure development and the health concerns of local communities. Residents have long alleged that the RMC plant, coupled with heavy vehicle movement and unauthorized night-time construction, has created a hazardous environment marked by excessive dust and noise pollution.

Regulatory Oversight and Court Intervention

The MPCB notice, served on July 3, 2026, mandates that MEIL strictly adhere to environmental consent conditions. The board has ordered the company to cease all RMC plant operations during prohibited night hours and has demanded a formal compliance report within seven days. Failure to meet these requirements could trigger further legal action, including potential site closure.

This development emerged during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by environmental activist Rohit Joshi and local residents. The petitioners are seeking the total relocation of the plant, casting yard, and labor camp, citing long-term health risks to the surrounding population. A division bench of the Bombay High Court, comprising Justice Ajay Gadkari and Justice Kamal Khata, observed that while infrastructure development is vital, it cannot be achieved through the violation of environmental regulations.

Inspection Findings and Recommended Measures

A joint inspection conducted by the MPCB on June 25, 2026, confirmed that the RMC plants were operational during the site visit. While the report acknowledged that MEIL had implemented some mitigation strategies—such as fogger systems, water sprinklers, and protective enclosures—it concluded that these measures were insufficient.

The inspection team recommended several additional safeguards, including:

• Lowering the height of entry and exit points to reduce dust dispersion.

• Installing supplementary water sprinklers.

• Sealing gaps in enclosures with tarpaulin sheets to prevent airborne particulate matter.

• More rigorous monitoring of activity to ensure full compliance with permissible operational hours.

Why It Matters

For residents in Thane and Borivali, the outcome of this legal and regulatory battle is critical. The Thane–Borivali twin tunnel project, a major initiative by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), is intended to slash travel time between the two cities to approximately 15–20 minutes. However, the project's progress is now being measured not just by engineering milestones, but by its ability to coexist with urban residential areas. The case serves as a benchmark for how local authorities manage the environmental footprint of large-scale infrastructure in densely populated regions.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Project Context: The twin tunnel project passes beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, aimed at decongesting suburban Mumbai.

• The Violation: Residents reported excessive noise, dust, and illegal night-time operation of the RMC plant.

• Regulatory Directive: MEIL must submit a compliance report by mid-July 2026 or face potential legal penalties.

• Legal Standing: The Bombay High Court has adjourned the PIL hearing for two weeks to monitor the contractor’s adherence to the MPCB’s directives.

FAQ

What specific issues did residents complain about?

Residents reported severe noise and dust pollution, largely stemming from the RMC plant’s operations and heavy vehicle traffic, often occurring late at night.

Has MEIL taken any steps to mitigate the pollution?

Yes, inspection teams noted the presence of fogger systems and water sprinklers, but deemed them inadequate for the project's scale, leading to new recommendations for further dust control.

What is the current status of the PIL?

The Bombay High Court has directed the MPCB to monitor the site closely and has requested a status report on actions taken against the contractor within two weeks.

Source: Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Bombay High Court Proceedings, Mumbai Live