The Hingna industrial estate, one of the largest in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, is confronting a severe and escalating environmental emergency. The crisis stems from unchecked pollution generated by ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants operating in the area, which is now severely impacting factories, machinery, and the health of workers.
Industry Body Sounds Alarm, Seeks Government Intervention
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Hingna MIDC Industries Association (MIA) has issued an urgent call for intervention to the state government and regulatory authorities. The association has made formal representations to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).
Their complaint highlights rampant air, noise, and water pollution caused by RMC units that are allegedly operating without complying with environmental norms. The MIA has demanded immediate strict action, a comprehensive joint inspection to assess air quality, and the eventual relocation of these polluting units away from the industrial zone.
Triple Threat: Air, Water, and Noise Pollution Take Toll
The impact of the RMC plants is multifaceted and severe. Industry representatives report that cement dust released during daily operations settles heavily on factory roofs, sensitive machinery, and even finished goods. This pervasive dust accumulation is causing multiple operational headaches:
- Disruption of delicate production processes.
- Accelerated wear and tear of expensive equipment.
- A significant rise in maintenance costs and operating expenses for manufacturers.
Beyond the air, the association has raised a serious alarm over water contamination. They allege that cement slurry and wastewater from transit mixers are being directly discharged into open drains and local water channels, further polluting the water resources in and around Hingna MIDC.
Adding to the misery is persistent noise pollution from the round-the-clock operations of the RMC plants. MIA member Ruchir Kumar Gupta confirmed that this constant din is putting additional strain on businesses and personnel working nearby.
Human Cost: Worker Health and Industrial Viability at Risk
The most grave consequence of this pollution is being borne by the workforce. Industrialists state that prolonged exposure to cement dust has led to a noticeable increase in respiratory illnesses, chronic eye irritation, and other long-term health problems among workers.
The cumulative effect threatens not just individual health but the economic foundation of the estate. The MIA warns that the fallout is undermining industrial productivity and the long-term viability of one of Vidarbha's key industrial hubs. In a statement, they emphasized that industries are suffering from higher costs, declining product quality, and frequent production halts, while the polluters continue operations unchecked.
Clarifying their stance, MIA President P Mohan stated, "We are not opposed to development, but development that tramples health, environment, and the law cannot be called progress." The association's appeal underscores a critical need for balanced industrial growth that prioritizes environmental compliance and the well-being of the community.
