As work on the ambitious Thane-Borivli twin tube tunnel project, which will pass beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), is set to begin soon, locals are opposing a massive ready-mix cement (RMC) plant that is being set up next to a residential complex near Suraj Water Park. Residents of Haware Citi near Ghodbunder Road in Thane have decided to stage a protest against the plant on June 30. The twin tube tunnel is a Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) project and it has appointed a contractor to construct the tunnel, along with approaches and other civil works.

Dr Shradha Raorane, a resident of the Haware Citi, said, “The RMC plant’s operations will involve the use of cement and fly ash, which have the potential to disperse easily in the air as their particles are lightweight, posing a serious threat of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, allergies and cancer in some cases. This will severely affect the health of young kids and octogenarians. This plant is extremely close to Haware Citi and three schools as well as other complexes where around 10,000 people reside.”