MPCB to close polluting industries

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is focusing on shutting down industrial units that are releasing emissions beyond the permissible limit to curb air pollution in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai areas. Upto 1,000 units have been already shut down since last year. Officials have stated that most of these are present in Thane and Dombivali.       

According to a recent study by System of Air Quality And Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), Mumbai showed improvement in PM 2.5 levels in 2017 as compared to 2016. MPCB has attributed the closure of polluting industries as one of the major factors for these good results.

 The PM 2.5 arises from burning of fossil fuel and mostly comes from vehicular and industrial emissions. "Since last year we have cracked down various RMC plants, both small and large industrial units, that were releasing emissions beyond the standard limit. We have also issued notices to another 4,000 industrial units in Mumbai," said Mr. P. Anbalagan, member secretary, MPCB.

 "The conditions of roads have also significantly improved which has helped in reducing dust pollution and preventing vehicular emissions from traffic jams," he added.