Farmers and mango growers from Vithaladevi Fanasgoan village in Ratnagiri have alleged that a hot mix plant operated illegally in the vicinity is leading to a drastic reduction in production of Alphanso mangoes and other produce.
The farmers say the government is doing nothing about it despite various complaints against the plant. The mango growers' association from Vithaladevi has written to various authorities complaining about the illegal operation of the plant. In a recent letter to chief minister Ashok Chavan, a mango orchard owner Pradeep Lele has demanded relocation of the plant.
Lele has said that the plant, which started a year ago, emits toxic chemicals. The production at the plant leads to rise in temperature, and it emits solid particulates that settle on the fruits which badly affects the mango trees, Lele has claimed, adding that that due to this it has become difficult for farmers to maintain the required export quality.
Lele has said that while such plants are restricted worldwide, Maharashtra is the only state in the country to give them a free hand.
"Consent for the plant clearly stated that it should maintain a minimum distance of 500 metres from human habitat and farms, but the first house from the plant is barely 40 metres away, while a primary health centre and a school are located within 300 metres," Lele said.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), after conducting an inspection in December 2008, has mentioned that it has not permitted the plant to operate.
The sub-divisional office of the MPCB said that the action against the plant had been initiated and the show cause notice has been dispatched.
"Our regional office has recently served the notice and sought clarification before initiating the procedure of refusal of consent to operation. The MPCB will further act upon the closure of the plant under section 31(a) of the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1981 if satisfactory answers are not found," said sub-regional officer NH Shivangi.
