Cement Pollution Sparks Health Crisis in Nahur
Residents in the vicinity of Nahur Railway Station on the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road have expressed growing concerns over the health risks posed by pollution from an aging cement godown. Despite repeated complaints to local authorities, the issue remains largely unaddressed, putting residents at increasing risk.
The cement godown, which has been operational for decades, handles large quantities of cement transported via trains and trucks to construction sites around Mumbai. The godown processes cement brought in by 42-wagon trains, with 200 trucks transporting the material daily. However, with rapid residential development in the area, this industrial operation is increasingly at odds with the needs of a growing community. A long-time resident of the area, described how his 12-year-old child developed cysts and rashes, attributing the health issues to the constant exposure to cement dust. His family has resorted to using medication and even an air purifier, but Gavas notes that the outside environment remains a significant threat, especially for children who play outdoors.
“I haven’t opened my windows in six years,” said a resident. “The balcony is always covered with a layer of cement dust, and it’s impossible to keep the place clean.” The residents’ grievances are not isolated. Several others in the area, including senior citizens, have reported similar health issues, including respiratory problems and eye irritation. Despite multiple complaints to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), little progress has been made. “We’ve only received a response once from the BMC, but no concrete action was taken,” said, a resident of one of the high-rise buildings surrounding the godown. The cement dust is not confined to the godown alone. The service road, used by cement-laden trucks, has not been cleaned in years, and it is thick with cement dust, making it hazardous to walk on.
The situation is exacerbated by the lack of proper maintenance or a permanent solution to curb pollution in the area. Although there have been talks about concreting the road, the promise remains unfulfilled. An official at the godown confirmed that a tender had been issued for road repairs, but work has yet to commence. The lack of swift action by the authorities has led to mounting frustration among residents. Environmental activist Stalin Dayanand filed a formal complaint with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board on January 24, but no response has been received as of yet. The issue, meanwhile, continues to escalate, with residents urging the authorities to prioritise their health and safety over industrial operations in the heart of a densely populated residential area. As the pollution levels rise, the need for urgent intervention has become undeniable. The residents are now hoping for concrete steps that will mitigate the health hazards they face daily, as the godown’s operations remain a ticking time bomb for public health in the area.
