Illegal quarrying in Maharashtra’s Ambernath goes unchecked for over a decade

Allegations of large-scale illegal stone quarrying and crusher operations have surfaced in Ambernath taluka of Thane district in Maharashtra, prompting urgent appeals from both a local NGO and a sitting MLA. According to Shree Ekvira Aai Pratishthan, a non-profit organisation headed by environmentalist Nandakumar Waman Pawar, unregulated mining has been taking place for over a decade on both government and private lands in Mouje Sai and Valivali villages, without the mandatory legal approvals.   

The organisation has lodged a formal complaint with senior authorities, including the Thane Collector, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the State Environment Department, demanding immediate intervention to halt the operations.  

In its complaint, the NGO highlighted that quarrying activities are under way at Survey Number 216, a government-owned land measuring 7.49 hectares, and Survey Number 25, a privately owned plot of 1.52 hectares. “These operations have been running for more than 15 years without approvals from the Collector’s office, MPCB, State Environment Department, Forest Department, and the Directorate General of Mines Safety,” Mr. Pawar said. 

“According to a Right to Information (RTI) reply from the District Administration’s Reti Ghat Branch, there are no records of mining permissions for Survey Numbers 25 and 216, whereas documents exist for Survey Numbers 87/2 and 191/3, confirming that these activities are unauthorised,” he added. “We can’t say that quarries operational at survey number 191/3 at Valivali is completely illegal since, approved mining plan is available with collector Thane. But yes, what really matters is the amount of excavation done. We demand detailed legal investigations. Stone quarry at survey number 87/2 also has clearance but it falls under eco-sensitive zone of Barvi Dam,” Mr. Pawar said.  

The complaint further warns of severe environmental consequences, stating that “huge mountains have been destroyed for stone mining,” leading to significant loss of biodiversity. It also raises concerns over an illegal municipal solid-waste dumping ground in the same area, allegedly violating the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2024, by failing to segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.  

Adding to the mounting concerns, Ambernath MLA Kisan Shankar Kathore has written to Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule regarding illegal quarrying. His letter alleges that operators are conducting night-time mining, using explosives, and functioning without valid environmental clearances.   

Mr. Kathore also flagged safety hazards, pointing out that one of the quarries is dangerously close to the Barvi Dam and nearby residential areas. He further claimed that operators are evading royalties, resulting in significant financial losses for the government. Despite a ₹3.89 crore penalty notice issued against one operator, Vishwanath Panwelkar, no concrete action has been taken so far.  

In January this year, The Hindu had reported that the same operator was involved in illegal mining and blasting inside the Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone. For nearly two decades, tribal residents of Chinchavli endured relentless dust, deafening explosions, and environmental destruction as uncontrolled quarrying scarred the hills, contaminated air and water sources, and led to serious health complications. In July, the Bombay High Court imposed a penalty of over ₹190 crore on the operator for excess excavation and illegal mining beyond the permissible limits.  

Both the NGO and the MLA have demanded the immediate cessation of illegal operations, the use of Electronic Total Station (ETS) surveys to assess the full extent of mining, and strict legal action against those involved. Mr. Pawar has also called for the formation of a special investigation team to evaluate ecological damage and quantify revenue losses.  

Mr. Pawar added, “Even the Ambernath Tehsildar’s office has no information about these two mining sites. When I filed an RTI (Right to Information) there, the query was transferred to the Thane Collector’s office, where they also confirmed they had no records. It is shocking that none of the authorities seem aware of mining that has continued for two decades. We are now drafting a petition to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT).”  

While the Ambernath Tehsil Office did not respond to queries from The Hindu, an official from Thane District Collector’s Office stated that they are assessing the complaint and preparing a formal response to Mr. Pawar’s queries.