Illegal quarrying in Maharashtras Ambernath goes unchecked for over a decade

Allegations of large-scale unlawful stone quarrying and crusher operations have surfaced in Ambernath taluka of Thane district in Maharashtra, prompting pressing appeals from each a neighborhood NGO and a sitting MLA. According to Shree Ekvira Aai Pratishthan, a non-profit organisation headed by environmentalist Nandakumar Waman Pawar, unregulated mining has been happening for over a decade on each authorities and personal lands in Mouje Sai and Valivali villages, with out the obligatory authorized approvals.   

The organisation has lodged a proper criticism with senior authorities, together with the Thane Collector, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the State Environment Department, demanding instant intervention to halt the operations.  

In its criticism, the NGO highlighted that quarrying actions are below means at Survey Number 216, a government-owned land measuring 7.49 hectares, and Survey Number 25, a privately owned plot of 1.52 hectares. “These operations have been working for greater than 15 years with out approvals from the Collector’s workplace, MPCB, State Environment Department, Forest Department, and the Directorate General of Mines Safety,” Mr. Pawar mentioned. 

“According to a Right to Information (RTI) reply from the District Administration’s Reti Ghat Branch, there aren’t any data of mining permissions for Survey Numbers 25 and 216, whereas paperwork exist for Survey Numbers 87/2 and 191/3, confirming that these actions are unauthorised,” he added. “We can’t say that quarries operational at survey quantity 191/3 at Valivali is totally unlawful since, authorized mining plan is on the market with collector Thane. But sure, what actually issues is the quantity of excavation carried out. We demand detailed authorized investigations. Stone quarry at survey quantity 87/2 additionally has clearance however it falls below eco-sensitive zone of Barvi Dam,” Mr. Pawar mentioned.  

The criticism additional warns of extreme environmental penalties, stating that “enormous mountains have been destroyed for stone mining,” resulting in vital lack of biodiversity. It additionally raises issues over an unlawful municipal solid-waste dumping floor in the identical space, allegedly violating the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2024, by failing to segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.  

Adding to the mounting issues, Ambernath MLA Kisan Shankar Kathore has written to Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule relating to unlawful quarrying. His letter alleges that operators are conducting night-time mining, utilizing explosives, and functioning with out legitimate environmental clearances.   

Mr. Kathore additionally flagged security hazards, declaring that one of many quarries is dangerously near the Barvi Dam and close by residential areas. He additional claimed that operators are evading royalties, leading to vital monetary losses for the federal government. Despite a ₹3.89 crore penalty discover issued towards one operator, Vishwanath Panwelkar, no concrete motion has been taken up to now.  

In January this yr, The Hindu had reported that the identical operator was concerned in unlawful mining and blasting contained in the Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone. For almost twenty years, tribal residents of Chinchavli endured relentless mud, deafening explosions, and environmental destruction as uncontrolled quarrying scarred the hills, contaminated air and water sources, and led to critical well being problems. In July, the Bombay High Court imposed a penalty of over ₹190 crore on the operator for extra excavation and unlawful mining past the permissible limits.  

Both the NGO and the MLA have demanded the instant cessation of unlawful operations, using Electronic Total Station (ETS) surveys to evaluate the complete extent of mining, and strict authorized motion towards these concerned. Mr. Pawar has additionally referred to as for the formation of a particular investigation group to judge ecological harm and quantify income losses.  

Mr. Pawar added, “Even the Ambernath Tehsildar’s workplace has no details about these two mining websites. When I filed an RTI (Right to Information) there, the question was transferred to the Thane Collector’s workplace, the place in addition they confirmed that they had no data. It is surprising that not one of the authorities appear conscious of mining that has continued for twenty years. We at the moment are drafting a petition to method the National Green Tribunal (NGT).”  

While the Ambernath Tehsil Office didn’t reply to queries from The Hindu, an official from Thane District Collector’s Office acknowledged that they’re assessing the criticism and getting ready a proper response to Mr. Pawar’s queries.