Maharashtra Mandates Cleaner Fuels for Bhiwandi Textile Dyeing Units

State unveils phased action plan to reduce industrial pollution, enforce cleaner fuel use, and strengthen environmental compliance in Bhiwandi and Chandrapur

The Maharashtra government has introduced a short-, medium-, and long-term strategy to address industrial pollution in Bhiwandi and Chandrapur. The announcement was made by State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde while responding to a calling attention motion raised by MLA Abu Azmi regarding pollution in the Bhiwandi textile cluster.

Under the new policy, yarn dyeing units operating in Bhiwandi will be required to transition to cleaner fuels, including Piped Natural Gas (PNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The roadmap also outlines fuel restrictions, financial assistance measures, and a cluster-based implementation framework.

The minister stated that dyeing units will be prohibited from using hazardous fuels such as plastic, wood, and solid waste in boilers. Acknowledging that the higher cost of cleaner fuels may pose challenges for smaller units, the Environment Department will hold discussions with the Industry Department and local municipal bodies to explore subsidies and financial assistance.

According to the minister, 254 textile-related industries operate in the Bhiwandi region. Of these, 74 units fall under the "Green" category, while 54 chemical-processing dyeing units are classified under the "Orange" category and are being monitored by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).

Addressing pollution concerns linked to Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants and the SMS Company in the Mankhurd-Govandi belt, the minister informed the House that continuous monitoring is underway. The SMS Company has been directed to relocate to the Ambernath zone of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).

Until the relocation process is completed, the company will remain legally bound to comply with all emission norms, with strict action to be taken in the event of any violations.

The government also announced a pilot project for the heavily polluted industrial belt of Chandrapur. Following a personal visit to the affected areas to assess the impact on public health, the minister directed the immediate issuance of a closure notice to Mahamaya Coal Washery after its management failed to attend a pollution-related hearing.

In addition, a comprehensive environmental audit of all thermal power plants will be conducted as part of the state's broader environmental compliance initiative.