Navi Mumbai News: Illegal Quarrying Near ACTREC, Kharghar Tunnel Raises Health And Landslide Fears; Activists Demand Immediate Halt

The RTI was filed after the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) forwarded a complaint email to the Raigad Collector, following appeals by activists to stop the activity. 

"The Panvel Tahsildar's office, under whose jurisdiction the site falls, has categorically stated that no licenses have been issued for any stone quarrying in the area," said the director of the foundation BN Kumar. 

Activist observed that despite the monsoon, blasting and crushing activities continue unabated, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.

In addition to the Foundation, the Kharghar Hill and Wetland Forum too  have accused authorities of turning a blind eye to the hazardous quarrying activity.  "It is shocking that such large-scale, polluting activity is continuing right under the nose of the authorities,” said Jyoti Nadkarni, convenor of the Kharghar Hill and Wetland Forum. “Dump trucks loaded with stone chips constantly move in and out, and the air is thick with dust—completely unfit for cancer patients and local school children.”

Kumar emphasized the risks posed to the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), which houses high-precision diagnostic and treatment equipment highly sensitive to dust. He recalled that ACTREC’s director had previously raised similar complaints, leading to a temporary halt in quarrying, which has now resumed with greater intensity.

Activist observed that the stone dust generated from the site was spreading into nearby residential sectors and even the hospital premises, threatening sensitive medical equipment and vulnerable cancer patients.

Adding to the concern is the proximity of the quarrying activity to the under-construction Kharghar-Turbhe tunnel and the Pandavkada waterfalls eco-tourism zone. “Continuous blasting is weakening the hill’s structure, increasing the risk of landslides,” Nadkarni warned. “We’ve already witnessed disasters at Irshalgad and the Parsik Hills—must we wait for another tragedy?”

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The activists have urged the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to intervene and conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). They also reminded authorities of the National Green Tribunal’s mandate requiring environmental clearance for quarry operations.

“This is not just a local issue—it’s about protecting lives, ecology, and public infrastructure,” Kumar stressed. “The rampant quarrying must be stopped immediately.”