The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has decided to conduct night patrolling after residents of Kharghar complained of a strong chemical being emitted at night in recent months.
MPCB officials have decided to use a mobile air monitoring machine in Taloja MIDC area to catch the culprit. The decision to conduct night checks was taken during a meeting between MPCB officials and residents from Sectors 30 to 36 in Kharghar.
Residents claimed that the air in Kharghar was polluted as it was surrounded on both sides by the Thane-Belapur Industrial Zone and the Taloja Industrial Chemical Zone, and the constant excavation of hills.
Shortness of breath
Mangesh Ranawade, founder of Kharghar Sector 30-36 Residents’ Group, said: “Four to five times every week, there is a strong smell of chemicals in the air. This is usually between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. in intervals ranging from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. The smell is unpleasant and at times children feel breathless.”
Mr. Ranwade said the residents also sent letters to the Member Secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and the Minister of Environment. Anil Mohekar, regional officer of MPCB, said: “The residents have raised concern over the strong smell of chemicals. As an immediate measure, we will be monitoring the area to check the problem and monitor the level of harmful gases.”
Mr. Mohekar said there was also a demand for setting up real-time pollution monitors across Taloja Phase 1, Kharghar, Taloja, Kalamboli and Khanda Colony. He said, “We will be installing one single real-time air monitoring machine in Taloja MIDC as requested by the forum because the other areas do not fall under our jurisdiction.”
Meanwhile, taking a note of the issue, Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, Commissioner of Panvel City Municipal Corporation, said: “I have received the complaint and will be having a meeting with MPCB officials next week. There are no brick kilns in PCMC areas and I have asked the Revenue Department to look into pollution from quarries.”