Status: Not ApprovedHEAD: 24_Mum_MB_Mulla baug residents brace for pollution from borivali tunnel debris transportByline: Manoj BadgeriMulla baug residents brace for pollution from borivali tunnel debris transportManoj BadgeriThane: 8 months after forcing the MMRDA to modify plans and extend the Thane end entry-exit points of the Borivali tunnel project away from their neighbourhood, Mulla Baug residents are now bracing for the next challenge — tackling possible pollution due to the transportation of massive volumes of excavation debris from the tunnel boring site.Residents fear that 200–250 truckloads of muck could be scooped out and transported daily, raising concerns of air and noise pollution in the otherwise quiet enclave. On Tuesday, a delegation outlined 3 proposed solutions formulated after meeting with MMRDA officials and a few experts and residents from the area.The options involve moving debris via elevated conveyor belts, routing the muck via dumpers passing through a dedicated corridor to the Ghodbunder Highway, or building an underground passage for muck transport to the tunnel’s extended stretch. The final plan will be decided after consulting over 5,000 residents, the core group of residents spearheading the talks with MMRDA said.“We’re not against the project, but the least we can expect is to protect our area’s environment. At first glance, the options presented seem to be inconvenient and could cause air and noise pollution,” said a resident, speaking on condition of anonymity.However, Rakesh Modi, a coordinating member of the team spearheading talks with the agencies, clarified and allayed residents’ concerns, saying that the options balance residents’ concerns with the project’s progress. “No decision will be finalised without majority approval from residents. Once residents agree and are convinced, it will be communicated to the MMRDA and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde,” he said. MSID:: 128756305 413 |
