India: Environmental activists and residents of the villages of Ambivli, Atali, and Mohane in Kalyan have raised objections to Ambuja Cement’s proposed 6Mt/yr Ambivli cement grinding unit, citing air pollution and risks to the nearby Kalu and Ulhas rivers, according to local press. A public hearing by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board is scheduled for 16 September 2025.
The US$159m plant will be located on a 26 hectare site, 9.67 hectares of which have been earmarked for green belt development, while 5.49 hectares will be used for installation of the grinding unit, storage facilities and a packing plant.
Opponents argue that the project violates environmental guidelines requiring a minimum 500m buffer from residential areas.Nitin Nikam of Mi Kalyankar said “The project will affect the health of thousands of commuters travelling from Ambivli station. Hundreds of thousands of residents in Ambivli, Atali and Mohane live just 150–200m away and will be exposed to air pollution from the plant.”
Stalin D, director of Vanashakti, said “The proposed unit will add to the pollution levels of the Ulhas River. As cases related to the river’s pollution are pending at the Supreme Court, the government should not encourage any project that risks worsening the situation.”
Nikam also called for the hearing to be postponed by one month, noting that the notice does not specify the exact venue where the hearing is due to be held.
